d'Bassists official webhome

Across the miles: masterclass with James Vandemark

2012-01-18T23:11:00.005+08:00

Digital Series:
James Vandemark Double Bass Masterclass
19 Mar 2012 (Mon)
9.00 p.m.
Steven Baxter Recital Studio
Free admission

James Vandemark who is hailed by the New York Times at his Lincoln Centre recital as "an exceptionally gifted string player and a musician of taste, intelligence and the best spontaneous musical instincts, with an unerring sense for exact intonation" will conduct a masterclass with the students of Yong Siew Toh Conservatory via video-conference from Eastman School. It is so fascinating to become aware how technology has brought the world closer together to share our ideas and dreams.

This is one reason to stay up at night!

Source: http://music.nus.edu.sg/event_details.html?EventID=733&Year=YearFilter=2012&TypeFilter=&MonthFilter=3

Junior Recitals

2012-01-11T23:01:00.005+08:00

There are a number of double bass recitals this March. In these recitals, third and fourth year students from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music perform their year-end recitals as part of their graduation requirements of the Bachelor of Music programme. Keep the following dates free please.

13 Mar 2012 (Tue)
6 p.m.
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Concert Hall
Free admission

6.00 p.m. Liu Yuchen
6.30 p.m. Yang Xun

20 Mar 2012 (Tue)
8 p.m.
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Concert Hall
Free admission

8.00 p.m. Ma Songlin
8.30 p.m. Zhu Jie

Sources:
http://music.nus.edu.sg/event_details.html?EventID=712&Year=YearFilter=2012&TypeFilter=&MonthFilter=3

http://music.nus.edu.sg/event_details.html?EventID=775&Year=YearFilter=2012&TypeFilter=&MonthFilter=3

Paul Johnson Double Bass Masterclass

2012-01-08T22:45:00.002+08:00

It is often not an everyday affair to find double bass masterclass in a humble town of Singapore. This coming March, be present for a double bass masterclass by Paul Johnson. He is currently a faculty member at the Peabody Institute.

Here are the details:

7 Mar 2012 (Wed)
3:00pm, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Orchestra Hall (3rd level)

Free admission.

Please read more about Paul Johnson here: http://music.nus.edu.sg/event_details.html?EventID=799&Year=YearFilter=2012&TypeFilter=&MonthFilter=3

Frank Proto's Nine Variants on Paganini for Double Bass

2012-01-05T22:43:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to Yang Heran for emerging as one of the winners of the Conservatory Lower Strings and Piano Concerto Competitions last semester. He will be performing his winning works with the Conservatory Orchestra.

Here are the details:

31 Jan 2012 (Tue)
7.30 p.m., Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Concert Hall.

THE CONSERVATORY ORCHESTRA
JASON LAI principal conductor
YANG HERAN double bass
JUNG BINA piano

FRANK PROTO
Nine Variants on Paganini for Double Bass

EDWARD MACDOWELL
Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 23

Free admission.

Source: http://music.nus.edu.sg/event_details.html?EventID=691&Year=YearFilter=2012&TypeFilter=&MonthFilter=1

Mozart's Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major (transcribed for double bass)

2011-10-17T22:13:00.000+08:00

String Crossing
18 Oct 2011 (Tue)
7.30 p.m.
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Conservatory Concert Hall (3rd level)
Free admission

This week, listen to Yang Xun, double bass student of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, perform the first movement, Allegro, Mozart's Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major (transcribed for double bass).

Also joining him are a few other string students from the Conservatory. Each of them will perform solo works in one concert from across the range of bowed string instruments - the violin, viola, cello and double bass.

This concert offers an ideal introduction to younger and potential students to the rich world of the string family.

For more information, please refer to this link.

The Bass Line is back

2011-08-15T17:36:00.000+08:00

Bass Line
15 Oct 2011 (Sat)
7.30 p.m.
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Conservatory Orchestra Hall (3rd level)
Free admission

Once again, there will be a special treat from double bass students of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. This October, look forward to an evening of a series of double bass recitals performed by the double bass students of the Conservatory.

One of the reasons for attending "Bass Line" is that it is a relatively rare occasion to hear numerous double bass recitals being played in one single evening in Singapore. It will be a great chance to get exposed to and/or to enjoy various repertoires that are written for the double bass.

NUS Symphony Orchestra presents Stage and Screen

2011-08-14T12:05:00.003+08:00

The NUS Symphony Orchestra presents an open-air outreach concert "Stage and Screen".

Stage and Screen
24 Sep 2011 (Sat),
6 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.
The Plaza (ground floor), National Library Board Building
100 Victoria Street

Free Admission.

Programme:
Richard Rodgers - Selections from The Sound of Music
Paul Dukas - The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Ernst Toch - Pinocchio: A Merry Overture
Camille Saint-Saëns - Danse Bacchanale (from Samson and Delilah)
George Gershwin - Selections from Porgy And Bess
Leonard Bernstein - Overture to Candide

"Join the NUS Symphony Orchestra at the National Library Plaza for an evening of popular musical favourites from stage, screen and theatre. Conducted by Maestro Lim Soon Lee, the Orchestra will present selections from films and operas such as Samson and Delilah, The Sound of Music and Porgy and Bess, with a special music and drama collaboration with ACT 3 Drama Academy featuring the Italian folk tale Pinocchio."

Yang Heran performs Franck Proto's Nine Variations on Paganini

2011-08-08T06:58:00.000+08:00

Monday Noon Recital Series
15 Aug 2011 (Mon)
12.10 p.m.
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Conservatory Concert Hall

Fourth year double bass student, Yang Heran, from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music will be performing Franck Proto's Nine Variations on Paganini during an upcoming Monday Noon Recital at the Conservatory.

What I appreciate about Yang Heran is his bold interest in exploring and studying contemporary works for the double bass. I have had the pleasure to listen to him performing a number of challenging works on the double bass. Do consider making some time to support him at this recital if schedule permits.

On the side, Frank Proto is an American composer and double bassist. There is a programme note on Nine Variants on Paganini (for Double Bass and piano) that can be found at this URL: http://www.liben.com/Pgmnotes6.html#001

During this Monday noon recital, audience can also look forward to listen to other final year students of the Conservatory performing other works. For more details, please visit: http://music.nus.edu.sg/event_details.html?EventID=564&Year=YearFilter=2011&TypeFilter=&MonthFilter=8

The joy of appreciating classical music

2011-08-08T00:24:00.006+08:00

Many of my friends who have attended a Western Classical music concert will have healthy sense of curiosity. They have hundreds of questions that range from "How do I understand the music?", "How do the performers play in sync with one another?", "Is it necessary to have a conductor?", "What are those foreign words on the programme booklet about?" and etc.

I wonder if you also have had similar questions in your mind before? Such questions are very normal when one appreciates the fact that very often during a Western classical music concert, there is possibly just enough time allocated to enjoy the performance itself. There is often no time set aside to educate the audience on how to enjoy the music. To bridge this gap, it was very apt that the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay organizes Understanding Western Classical Music by Leslie Tan, cellist of Singapore's international string ensemble, the T'ang Quartet.

Understanding Western Classical Music was held on 7 Aug 2011 (Sun) at the Recital Studio. It was a sold-out event! It is one of the series of Bitesize which is "a series of talks and workshops that introduces various aspects of the arts to the general public". As its title suggests, Understanding Western Classical Music aims to inform its participants on the various approaches to understanding Western classical music.

Leslie Tan highlighted a very important point throughout the workshop. The personal responses and interpretation of the listener are also keys to appreciating classical music. The experiences of listening to a same piece of classical music can vary from listeners to listeners, and that is the great joy of listening to classical music.

In an engaging way, Leslie shared various approaches of how one can better appreciate Western classical music. In addition, he has satisfied the curious minds by answering the many common questions that people will ask when listening to a piece of Western classical music.

Leslie illustrated what the common Italian musical terms meant using explanations that were very easy to relate to. In addition, together with three other promising musicians, Leslie aptly demonstrated how one can enhance his/her listening experiences when listening to a piece of Western classical music. He also spoke about melody versus counter-melody, the functions of musical keys, and a lot more. I could observe that even a young girl could stay meaningful engaged throughout the two hours duration of the workshop. I myself have enjoyed the entire two hours of workshop learning more about classical music.

I shall not attempt to share too much of the details of the contents of the workshop here since I hope that the positive responses of audience will possibly result in similar workshops by Leslie to be organised in the near future. If you are interested to learn more about the Education and Outreach programmes by the T'ang Quartet, you can please visit: http://www.tangquartet.com/2/projects-education.php

Learning about how to appreciate classical music can enhance the listener's listening experiences. The consoling truth is that well-written classical music speaks to people at the soul level. The listener will naturally respond to a piece of music whether or not they 'know' how to listen to it.

Of course, if one would like to listen with a more informed ear, attending workshops such as the above-mentioned will be helpful. For those who love to read, I strongly recommend that you could read Aaron Copland's What to Listen for in Music.

**
Acknowledgements:
Many thanks to the T'ang Quartet for the generous invitation to Understanding Western Classical Music. Special thanks to Belinda Tan for the heads up.

The T'ang Quartet's website is: http://www.tangquartet.com

Understanding Western Classical Music

2011-07-23T00:17:00.001+08:00

Interested in understanding Western Classical music?

The Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay presents Bitesize, which is "a series of talks and workshops that introduces various aspects of the arts to the general public".

Coming up in the month of Aug 2011 is a fun and interactive presentation on Western Classical music. This presentation is given by Leslie Tan, cellist of Singapore's international string ensemble, the Tang Quartet.'

Date: 7 Aug 2011, Sun
Time: 2 p.m. (2 hours, no intermission)
Venue: Rehearsal Studio, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
Price: $15

"Share the quartet's trademark approach to music - unbridled passion and highly charged performances that go beyond technical mastery and cerebral understanding, communicating the emotional message encrypted by the composer. Discover your personal interpretation of Western Classical music as you discard the daunting formalities of music as an art form and let your imagination fly."

Lin Pei-Yi's double bass senior recital

2011-04-01T21:33:00.000+08:00

Lin Pei-Yi, a student of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, will be having her double bass senior recital. Slightly more than a month ago, I have heard Lin Pei-Yi perform Lars-Erik Larsson's Double Bass Concerto at the Asian Civilisation Museum (Empress Place). She has a good sense of rhythm and left a good impression on me as an earnest and diligent musician. If you would like, please support her at her upcoming recital.

The details are as follow:

21 Apr 11 (Thu)
7.30 p.m.,
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Concert Hall
Free admission
Approximately one hour.

Out of respect for other concert goers, no children under 6 years of age will be allowed admission.

Junior Recital at the YST Conservatory of Music

2011-03-18T23:11:00.000+08:00

Care for not just one but two double bass recitals? Two students from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music will be performing on the double bass on 31 March 2011.

Junior Recital
31 Mar 2011 (Thu)
4:00 p.m.
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Conservatory Concert Hall
Free admission

4.00 p.m. Feng Da Wei
4.30 p.m. Yang Heran

For more information, please visit this link.

Ace of Bass

2011-03-03T20:20:00.006+08:00

In a unique recital of the low timbres, Jacek Mirucki will perform on the double bass while Hidehiro Fujita will perform on the tuba. Both of them are members of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) faculty.

This recital, Ace of Bass, is part of the Commuter Concerts 10/11. This is made possible with the kind support of the Lee Foundation.

Commuter Concerts 10/11
Ace of Bass
With the kind support of The Lee Foundation

Date : 14 March 2011, Monday
Time : 5.30pm
Venue : Lee Foundation Theatre
NAFA Campus 3
151 Bencoolen Street
Singapore 189656
Enquiries : music@nafa.edu.sg | 6512 4179
Admission : S$$10
(Buy your tickets on www.gatecrash.com.sg or at the door)

G. Bottesini - Fantasy La Sonnambula
S. Koussevitzky - Concerto
P. Hindemith - Sonata
K. Penderecki - Cappricio
D. Shostakovich - Adadgio from the Ballet "Limpid Stream"
J. Jacobsen - Tuba Buffo

Source: http://www.nafa.edu.sg/in_happenings/events/latest.htm

NUSSO presents Voyage to the Orient

2011-03-03T14:49:00.029+08:00

It is our pleasure to invite you to the NUS Symphony Orchestra's concert, Voyage to the Orient, part of NUS Arts Festival 2011, on 13 March 2011, Sunday, 8 p.m. at the University Cultural Centre Hall, NUS.

Under the baton of Maestro Lim Soon Lee, the NUS Symphony Orchestra will be joined by award-winning UK-based Australian piano virtuoso Geoffrey Saba with a programme featuring the Asian premiere of Peter Sculthorpe's Piano Concerto and the world premiere of Raintree For Orchestra, composed by Temasek Junior College Music Elective Programme alumnus, Chen Zhangyi.

The concert will round off with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.

There will also be a pre-concert and post-concert exhibition on Orientalism and the arts, which will explore the theme of our concert programme in greater detail, and will include exhibits on Arabian Nights and Orientalist art. There will be a live gamelan demonstration from 7.30 - 8.00 p.m. and during the intermission.

Tickets are priced at $16 and $19 (not inclusive of booking fee) and may be purchased from SISTIC. There are 15% discount for NUS students and 20% discount on group bookings (more than 20 tickets).

For further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact nusso.contact@gmail.com or visit the event page at http://nusso.org/360/voyage-to-the-orient.

Thank you very much for your support and we hope to receive a positive response from you!

Here's to end this post with a trailer:

Rossini's Sonata for two violins, cello and double bass

2011-03-02T23:13:00.002+08:00

4TH SINGAPORE CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL:

NOTTE ITALIANI
12 Mar 11, Sat
7:30 p.m., YST Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Concert Hall

Rossini     Sonate a quattro
Liszt        Venezia e Napoli
Glinka     Gran sestetto originale for piano & string quintet in E-flat major, G. iv81

T’ang Quartet, the Conservatory’s quartet-in-residence, together with Head of Piano, Thomas Hecht, and artist faculty and principal double bassist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Guennadi Mouzyka, present an evening of great Italian classics.

The programme begins with two of Rossini’s youthful Sonatas for strings, in an unusual combination of 2 violins, cello and double bass.

Ticketing Information
• Free admission by registration. Limited seats available. Please contact the Conservatory Concert Office at (65) 6516 1167 or email musconcerts@nus.edu.sg to register in advance.

For more information, please click on this link.

Listen to Lars-Erik Larsson’s Double Bass Concerto this February

2011-02-10T18:29:00.000+08:00

11 Feb 11 (Fri)
12:30 p.m.
Asian Civilisations Museum Shaw Foundation Foyer
Free admission

Top students from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music's string department will be presenting a selection of works for violin, viola, cello and double bass at the Asian Civilisation Museum. The programme includes Cesar Franck’s popular Sonata in A major, Debussy’s Violin Sonata, Ravel’s Tzigane, Shostakovich’s Cello Sonata and Lars-Erik Larsson’s Double Bass Concerto.

Lars-Erik Larsson is born on 15th May 1908 in Åkarp, died on December 27th 1986 in Helsingborg. His musical style includes clear forms, bright harmonies and a transparent part-writing. Personally, I have not heard his Double Bass Concerto but given that it can be considered a contemporary work for the double bass will make it worthwhile to be listened to.

For more details, check this site.

***
Updates on 10 Feb 2011:
I have just learnt that Ms Lin Pei-Yi will be the performer of Lars-Erik Larsson's Double Bass Concerto for this lunch-time concert. Here is wishing her a wonderful performance.

Yang Xun plays Schumann's Adagio and Allegro in a Monday noon recital

2011-01-21T22:40:00.001+08:00

Double bass student, Yang Xun, will be playing Schumann's Adagio and Allegro in a Monday noon recital. Details are as follow:

Mon, 24 Jan 11
12:15 p.m.,
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Conservatory Concert Hall
Free admission

In addition, during the noon recital, audience could look forward to listen to the following programmes:

BACH
Cello Suite No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012
   I.   Prelude
   II. Allemande
Lu Bingxia (MUS4) cello

BEETHOVEN
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 12 No. 2
   I.   Allegro vivace
Monique Lapins (MUS1) violin
Kerim Vergazov piano

ANTON RUBINSTEIN
Viola Sonata in F minor, Op. 49
   II. Andante
Lee Yizhi Jonathan (MUS2) viola
Low Shao Ying piano

HENRI DUTILLEUX
3 Strophes Sur Le Nom De Paul Sacher
   I.   Un poco indeciso
   II. Andante sostenuto
   III. Vivace
Wei Bing (MUS3) cello

Silver Yuletide by the Joyful Sound

2010-12-15T00:13:00.000+08:00

You, your family and friends are cordially invited to "Silver Yuletide" presented by "The Joyful Sound" which is made up of alumni of the NUS Symphony Orchestra. Yours truly will be performing.

17 Dec 2010, Friday.
7.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
Singapore Art Museum, The Chapel, Level 2.
71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555
Nearest MRT station: Bras Basah (Circle Line).
Free admission.

"Be treated to an evening of beloved Christmas music, famous ballets scored for an orchestra and more.

The orchestra will play music that will encompass a spectrum of styles and various aspects of Christmas. From hauntingly beautiful melodies that pay homage to that holy night when Christ was born, to wistful and yearning tunes that mourn the passing of each year, to merry and sprightly pieces that embody the lightheartedness of children and the goodwill of mankind, the orchestra celebrates this Yuletide season with the warmth and laughter of family and friends."

The programme:
1. Strauss Jr., Johann, The Gypsy Baron Overture
2. Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite Op. 71a
3. Leroy Anderson's Christmas Festival

To tie in with the spirit of giving, "The Joyful Sound" will be playing in support of the Children's Cancer Foundation (CCF). Brochures will be given out at the concert, where members of the audience may make personal donations directly to the foundation. More details for donation will be released on the concert day itself.

Please walk-in. Free admission to The Chapel throughout the museum's opening hours. Seats will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Standing spaces will be available too.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in the concert, please help to spread the word around. Thank you.

(Admission to the exhibition galleries of the Singapore Art Museum is free from 6 p.m. on all Friday evenings for anyone of you who would like to view the art exhibits for free. http://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/)

A photo of the Singapore Art Museum taken many months ago.

NAFA Department of Music

2010-09-25T17:19:00.000+08:00

Where could students who wish to study the double bass do so in Singapore?

The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts' Department of Music is one of the options available to students who wish to study music in Singapore. It offers the Diploma in Music (Performance) course which is registered with Singapore's Ministry of Education. This diploma course has also been approved by the University of Wales as being suitable for credit transfer towards a further one year period of study to achieve a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Music.

Students may opt to choose to learn the double bass as their Principal Study under the Diploma in Music (Performance) programme offered by the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Here is a YouTube site that gives a glimpse of some of the activities that students of the programme take part in: http://www.youtube.com/nafamusic

In addition, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Department of Music provide a bridging course, known as the Access Course, prepares young musicians who may be lacking in formal qualifications for full-time study in music. The bridging course is available to young musicians who wish to learn the double bass. Please see this website for more details: http://www.nafa.edu.sg/music/in_courses/courses_ac.htm

For more information, please contact:

Music Department
NAFA Campus 3, Wing A
Level 4 (Music Office) Room: C4-08
151 Bencoolen Street
Singapore 189656
Tel: +65 6512 4065
Email: music@nafa.edu.sg
Website: http://www.nafa.edu.sg/music/

The Bass Line

2010-09-02T23:05:00.001+08:00

Here is a short piece of news on a double bass related performance in Singapore.

Double bass students of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music will perform an evening recital on the double bass.

The Bass Line
2 Oct 10 (Sat)
7:30 p.m.
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Conservatory Orchestra Hall
Free admission.

Do make time to support them.

NUSSO Presents (Folk)lórica!

2010-08-14T07:25:00.003+08:00

There seems to be a trend for concerts to be given exclusive sounding names. Please do not ask me how to pronounce (Folk)lórica!

Anyway, if I were to put it in accessible language, the NUS Symphony Orchestra will be presenting an outreach concert performing orchestral music inspired by folk tunes and dances on 12 Sep 2010 (Sat). This concert is intended to presented to the public the lighter side of classical music.

Date: 12th Sept 2010 (Sat)
Venue: NUS University Cultural Centre Hall
Time: 6 pm

Georges Bizet | Carmen Suite for Orchestra No. 2
Edvard Grieg | Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46
Yuzu Toyama | Rhapsody for Orchestra
Emmanual Chabrier | España, Rhapsody for Orchestra

Free admission. Tickets will be available at the door from 5pm on a first-come-first-serve basis. Pre-ordering of tickets have been closed.

Source: http://nusso.org/179/nusso-presents-folklorica

CFA House Party 2010

2010-08-08T21:56:00.005+08:00

The Centre for the Arts (CFA) will be opening its doors for the biggest party on NUS Kent Ridge campus. In this house party, guests can expect to be treated to performances by the various CFA arts groups. In addition, there will be food to satisfy the palate and the tummy at the Food Paradise bazaar. There will also be exclusive backstage tours of the University Cultural Centre.

Specifically, the NUS Symphony Orchestra will be performing Singaporean composer Kelly Tang’s Sketches of Singapore, an orchestral work that incorporates themes from familiar local tunes in an exciting and colourful medley in celebration of Singapore’s National Day.

CFA House Party, Music Showcase (NUSSO)
Date: 11th August 2010 (Wed)
Venue: University Cultural Centre Theatre
Time: 7.45 pm

Come and listen to us.

(Source: http://nusso.org/155/cfa-house-party-2010)

Adam Ben Enza

2010-07-18T00:25:00.004+08:00

Adam Ben Ezra, contrabassist and composer, did an enticing performance that pays tribute to Michael Jackson. I am impressed by the ingenious idea of Adam Ben Enza to record and play all the parts on the double bass, and then mix them together.

Many thanks to Jason Heath for pointing me to this Youtube video on his recent blog post.

More information on Adam Ben Ezra can be found here: http://www.myspace.com/AdamBenEzra

Tang Yeesoong: The violin maker and restorer

2010-06-25T21:04:00.008+08:00

Double bass players in Singapore who need repair services for their instruments may find this post relevant. If you are starting to wonder how on earth a violin maker and restorer is being mentioned here, I ask that you please be patient and read on.

Recently, I have found out that d'Bassists' preferred Luthier, Le Diapason, is no longer accepting repair works. I learnt that "Le Diapason will be redirecting its business activities. The new focus of the business is to produce stringed instruments. The detailed work and time required on custom-made instruments make it difficult for us to continue to provide repair services without delay. In view of this, we hope you will understand that we will not be accepting repair works in the future." (Source: http://le-diapason.com, date: 20 Jun 2010.)

The first question on my mind was: "Where could double bass players in Singapore get repair services when our instruments need repair?"

The answer has been found. Le Diapason's website recommended "For your instrument repair needs, you may contact Yeesoong TANG at 9103 9743 (call/SMS) or at tangys[at]red-bean[dot]com".

Yeesoong has been working for Sabo at Le Diapason from 2004 to 2010 and hence is a natural successor, providing the same professional services that you used to expect at Le Diapason.

About a year ago, I needed help to set-up a new bridge for my double bass. I was referred to Yeesoong. I like the earnest, thoughtful and reliable repair service provided by Yeesoong. He found out that the sound-post of my instrument did not quite fit and he went the extra mile to ask if I would like to change it. His professional opinion led me to decide to change the sound-post and I am still happy with the decision as the new sound-post fit my instrument well. Even after the set-up, when I requested to file the bridge to a slightly thinner thickness, Yeesoong gladly obliged. The charges are reasonable for the conscientious and dependable repair services that Yeesoong provides.

Of course, as you can see from the title of this post, Yeesoong is primarily a violin maker and restorer. He also provides repair services for other instruments of the violin family. I read from his profile that he received his training from the Chicago School of Violin Making. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) from the National University of Singapore.

Yeesoong currently works from his home. If you are interested in Yeesoong's services, he can be contacted at:

Tel: (+65) 9103 9743 (call/SMS),
tang[dot]yeesoong[at]gmail[dot]com
tangys[at]red-bean[dot]com

(Photos courtesy of Tang Yeesoong.)

In search of the perfect bow by Jason Heath

2010-06-21T18:06:00.000+08:00

On http://doublebassblog.org, Jason Heath has some useful tips on choosing a bow. This post is written for students who are learning a string instrument.

The article is titled In search of the perfect bow. In this article, one of the tips that was offered is that the student should always have your teacher try the bow. Another thing is that one must realise that the process takes time. To find out more, please read Jason's In search of the perfect bow.

Dragonetti's Concerto for Double Bass & Strings

2010-04-13T23:56:00.003+08:00

There will be a two-night event that features "the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Percussion, Brass, Wind, String and Chinese Instrumentalists in chamber music of diverse styles ranging from baroque to the avant garde".

Dragonetti's Concerto for Double Bass & Strings will be performed during this concert. The soloist is Jacek Mirucki.

Commuter Concerts 09/10
Chamber Music Festival

Dates : 19 April 2010 & 20 April 2010
Time : 7.30pm
Venue : Lee Foundation Theatre
NAFA Campus 3
151 Bencoolen Street
Singapore 189656

Enquiries : 6512 4179 | music@nafa.edu.sg
Admission : S$8
Free seating. Buy your tickets on www.onetickethub.com or at the door.

Programme to include:

19 April 2010:
HAYDN - String Quartet Op. 20, no. 4
HUMMEL - Septet Op.114, “The Military”
WILLIAM PRICE - Boogaloo
SANDEEP DAS - Shristi
DRAGONETTI - Concerto for Double Bass & Strings

20 April 2010:
Music for Strings, Winds, Brass and Zhongruan
HAYDN - Seven Last Words of Christ
BRAHMS - Clarinet Trio Op. 114
DVORAK - Piano Quintet in Op.87
VIVALDI - Concerto for 2 Zhongruans & Strings

Source: http://www.nafa.edu.sg/in_happenings/events/2010/April.htm

Rhythm Practice by Donovan Stokes

2010-04-02T22:28:00.001+08:00

I was browsing and found this post that may help me improve my mind/muscle coordination.

Please check out Rhythm Practice: Using Rhythms to Improve a Passage, Phrase or Lick by Donovan Stokes.

"Instrumental technique is simply a matter of mental command and physical response. Effortless playing of a passage requires a clear mental image and a strong mind/muscle connection. Fluency of technique is merely a result of a clear mental image and instantaneous physical response."

Double Bass Recital on 28 Apr 2010

2010-03-25T22:48:00.001+08:00

There will be a double bass recital on 28 Apr 2010 performed by Yang Tzu-Hsien. I have often find that I can learn quite a fair bit just by attending recitals, so I reckon this recital will be worth one's time to listen to. I look forward to listening to this successful recital.

Senior Recital by Yang Tzu-Hsien
28 Apr 2010, Wednesday
6.30 p.m.
(About 1 hour in duration)
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory
Conservatory Concert Hall

Free admission.

Romantic Fantastique

2010-03-15T23:08:00.001+08:00

NUS Symphony Orchestra
Presents
Romantic Fantastique
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Date: Friday 19th March 2010
Time: 7.30 pm

Featuring multi-award recipient Natasha Liu on the cello, the NUS Symphony Orchestra will bring you Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, a composition known for its charm and grace.

Led by conductor Lim Soon Lee, the orchestra will also perform the popular Symphonie Fantastique composed by Hector Berlioz, one of the most important works of the Romantic period. The audience can look forward to an exciting musical journey as it unfolds the various episodes of an artist's life.

Tickets: $12(stall), $15(circle)

For more details, visit www.nusso.org

Double Bass Recital on 24 Mar 2010

2010-03-05T23:47:00.001+08:00

This is an event worth listening to for double bass players and lovers who are residing in Singapore.

Ms Lin Pei-Yi will be performing a recital on the double bass. Here are the details:

Junior Recital by Lin Pei-Yi
24 Mar 2010, Wednesday
7.30 p.m.
(About 30 min in duration)
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory
Conservatory Concert Hall

I have heard Ms Lin Pei-Yi play on the double bass several times. I love the richness of the tone from her playing on the double bass.

Free admission.
Out of respect for other concert goers, no children under 6 years of age will be allowed admission.

The Chamber Players presents String Music by Italian Masters

2010-01-22T23:28:00.004+08:00

For the lovers of double bass concertos, you may like to know that there will be a performance of Bottesini's Concerto for bass No. 2 in B minor in Singapore this February. The soloist for the double bass concerto will be Jacek Mirucki.

Here are the details:

3rd Singapore Chamber Music Festival
Chamber Players and Friends- Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Chamber Players
An Italian Job: String Music by Italian Masters

Sun, 7 Feb 10
7.30 p.m.,
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music,
Conservatory Concert Hall

Seah Huan Yuh, violin
Qin Li-Wei, Leslie Tan, cello
Jacek Mirucki, bass
The Chamber Players

The Chamber Players and Friends present concertos and string music by Frescobaldi, Vivaldi, Bottesini and Puccini.

Please click here for the programme

Ticketing Information:
- Free admission by registration. Please email musconcerts@nus.edu.sg or call 6516 1167.
- Out of respect for other concert goers, no children under 6 years of age will be allowed admission.

Where to buy a double bass in Singapore? Part 2

2009-11-22T13:11:00.001+08:00

Photo credit: http://www.bassloft.com

This post is an extension of a post, Where to buy a double bass in Singapore?, that was written about two years ago.

Some time ago, d'Bassists received an email that gave us a lead to Bass Loft, based in Singapore.

Bass Loft was created in 2005 to cater to the growing demands of double bass players in Singapore and Asia. This includes professionals as well as beginning students in orchestras and symphonic bands as young as 10 years old.

I visited the Bass Loft's website and read that it brings in quality double basses (e.g. Samuel Shen and Christopher). I have yet to play on or try any of the double basses from Bass Loft. If you have tried on one of its double basses, please do share your views and comments.

In the meantime, you may like to know that Bass Loft's website is: http://www.bassloft.com

Paul Erhard Double Bass Recital

2009-10-01T21:00:00.014+08:00

In the month of November 2009, there will be a double bass recital worth listening to.This event is part of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory's Visiting Artist Series. Do mark it on your calendar.

Paul Erhard Double Bass Recital
3 Nov 2009, Tue
6pm, Conservatory Orchestra Hall
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music

Paul Erhard - double bass
Low Shao Suan - piano

For more details, please visit:
http://music.nus.edu.sg/02a_event_vistgartistseries_paulerhard_3nov.html

Paul Erhard Double Bass Masterclass

2009-09-20T12:33:00.001+08:00

You may like to know that Paul Erhard, Associate Professor of Double Bass at the University of Colorando at Boulder, will be conducting a masterclass at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore. This event is part of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory's Visiting Artist Series.

More details can be found here.

Visiting Artist Series:
Paul Erhard Double Bass Masterclass

Wed, 28 Oct 2009,
2pm,
Conservatory Orchestra Hall
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Free Admission

The Bass Line at the Opera

2009-09-14T23:02:00.002+08:00

The Bass Line at the Opera

16 Nov 09 (Mon)
6 p.m., Conservatory Orchestra Hall
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music

Conservatory double bass players of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, Double Bass Department, will be performing "an evening of operatic music, from arias to fantasies on themes".

Admission is free. Do support this event. It's not often that one can be treated to an entire evening of lovely music played on the double bass.

Andres Martin's

2009-08-24T23:04:00.003+08:00

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oZK65AxHi4

Andres Martin has recently put up a video on YouTube. The work is possibly known as "Piazzolla's Cafe, 1930". It is a guitar and double bass duet. If I had translated the Spanish words found on the description of the video correctly, it would read "Promotional video of the disc Del Flamenco al Tango".

I find this a beautiful piece of music and I particularly enjoyed listening to it during the quiet moments of the night. Enjoy!

For more information about Andres Martin, please visit his website:
http://andresmartin.110mb.com/index-eng.html

Jeff Bradetich’s new book (video)

2009-07-01T22:04:00.001+08:00

Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog's post titled Jeff Bradetich's new book (video) pointed me to a new book by University of North Texas and Cleveland Institute of Music bass professor, Jeff Bradetich, titled Double Bass: The Ultimate Challenge.

"This book represents the culmination of all the concepts and techniques Jeff has explored while working with countless students over the course of his illustrious teaching career."

To find out more, please read: Jeff Bradetich's new book (video)

Hong Kong Double Bass Camp 2009

2009-06-15T20:15:00.002+08:00

A friend of mine pointed me to this Hong Kong Double Bass Camp 2009. Jeff Bratetich and Bassmen will be conducting the workshop.

The period of camp residence will be from 16 Aug 2009 to 18 Aug 2009. The programme for the workshop, according to the brochure includes:

Technique classes
Solo Lessons
Master Classes
Bass Ensembles and Orchestra
Faculty Concerts
Team Building Game
Student Ensemble Concert

I have enquired with the organisers and found out that the camp will be conducted mainly in English.

The web address (http://cmconcept.hk/dbcamp09) to download the form does not seem to be working. Nevertheless, one can download a copy of the form from:
http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_5a8226230100d60z.html
or http://blog.sina.com.cn/xulistudio

For enquiries on this camp, do email: bassmen.hk [at] gmail [dot] com

Emily has a double bass and a cello for sale

2009-04-25T23:50:00.004+08:00

Emily, one of the members of d'Bassists, has a double bass as well as a cello for sale.

For more information, please contact her at email address: kontrabassist [at] gmail [dot] com. Please contact her before Aug 2009.

String Emporium

2009-03-21T20:26:00.003+08:00

d'Bassists has recently received a message from Steve Koscica who owns and operates String Emporium.

String Emporium is mostly known for specializing in everything to do with upright basses. I understand that String Emporium has a simple service goal and that is to "offer fine quality, offer great, personal service and beat everyone’s prices!"

Do check String Emporium out here: www.stringemporium.com/basscafe.htm.

Emily Koh's Last Words

2009-03-16T20:25:00.000+08:00

Emily Koh's Last Words (2009) for double bass and electronics will be performed in Singapore. The composer herself will be playing on the double bass.

Here are the details:

Senior Recital: Koh Pei Shan Emily, composition
19 March 2009, Thursday, 8pm
Conservatory Concert Hall, NUS, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
Admission is free.

Written as another musical eulogy for oneself, Last Words explores the human psyche through the last words of a myriad of dead people from different backgrounds and times such as, French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to in famous Casablanca actor Humphrey Bogart.

As the psyche refers to forces in a human being that influence thought, behavior and personality, Last Words is really a circum-retrospect of one’s concept of self at the very last living moment.

Double Bass solo in NAFA Commuter Concerts 08/09

2009-03-13T09:37:00.004+08:00

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts will be showcasing Commuter Concerts 08/09 with the kind support of the Lee Foundation. This concert features Jacek Mirucki on the Double Bass and Fredi Sonderegger on the Euphonium.

Date : 16 March 2009 (Mon)
Time : 6.30pm
Venue : Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA Campus 3, 151 Bencoolen Street
Singapore 189656
Email : music@nafa.edu.sg | 6512 4179
Admission : $8 (plus $1 booking fee)
Buy your tickets on www.GATECRASH.com.sg, at any SingPost Post Office counter or S.A.M kiosk island-wide! For Credit Card phone bookings, dial 6222 5595 for the GATECRASH ticketing hotline.

Programme :

1. Henry Eccles- Sonata in G minor

2. David Gillingham: Blue Lake Fantasies

3. Robert Schumann: 3 Romanzen

4. Giovanni Bottesini: Fantasia "La Sonnambula"

5. Domenico Dragonetti: Concerto in A major

(Source: http://www.nafa.edu.sg/in_happenings/events/latest.htm)

A double bass recital on 18 Mar 2009

2009-03-13T09:30:00.002+08:00

This is to point you to a double bass recital held in Singapore on 18 Mar 2009.

Senior Recital: Yeo Eun-Ju, Double Bass
18 Mar 2009, Wednesday, 6.30 p.m.
Conservatory Concert Hall, NUS, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
Admission is free.

The programme includes:

Giovanni Bottesini's Concerto in B minor
Yuri Levitin's "Allegretto" from Sonata for Double Bass, Op. 58
Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major
JS Bach's Bourrée No. 1 & 2 from Cello Suite No. 3
Giovanni Bottesini's Melodia, "Romanza Patetica"
Giovanni Bottesini's Variations on "Nel cor piu non mi sento" from Paisiello's La Molinara

A New Season - by NUS Symphony Orchestra

2009-01-30T23:11:00.006+08:00

A New Season – Celebrating 30 Melodious Years
by NUS Symphony Orchestra (NUSSO)
14 Mar 09 (Sat), University Cultural Centre, Hall, 8pm
$15 & $18

Join the NUS Symphony Orchestra for an evening stroll through the seasons, with a perfectly themed repertoire inspired by nature. Bringing the orchestra to new heights on its 30th anniversary is the premiere of a composition by homegrown talent Emily Koh, which is wholly inspired by Man’s relationship with our environment. Infusing interactive digital media into symphonic music, this specially commissioned work is guaranteed to stimulate the senses and elevate the audience experience.

Credit: Image taken from http://www.emilykoh.net

More familiar are Smetana’s Die Moldau and excerpts from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. It is, however, Schumann’s “Spring” Symphony No. 1 that promises to be the highlight of this milestone concert – its fanfare signifying spring-awakening, with its longing for a lush springtime and the preparation for the new season.

This concert is part of the NUS Arts Festival 2009.

***
Programme
SMETANA The Moldau from "My Fatherland"
VIVALDI Selections from "The Four Season"
1. Autumn
2. Winter
EMILY KOH About E.C.O.
SCHUMANN Symphony No. 1 in B-flat Major, Op. 38, "Spring"

Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante

2008-11-08T23:37:00.003+08:00

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXd3tNRIj5M

I attended the concert, From Russia with Love, earlier tonight and I simply love Guennadi Mouzyka's rendition of Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante on the double bass. Also playing this work with him were Alexander Souptel on the violin and Kerim Vergazov on the piano.

Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante is a technically very challenging work for the double bass. I am greatly inspired by the rendition that I have heard tonight. The harmonics are played with precision, clarity and warmth. The double bass sounds right! I was observing the right-hand technique of the double bass player and doing my best to learn how to strive for such smooth changes from one string to another. I don't know how to describe how inspiring the rendition was, but I can say that I was listening attentively every moment of the work.

What I am inspired was Guennadi Mouzyka's dedication to the art of playing the double bass. Everything that I have heard during the concert was made possible because of hours of diligent, good practice. Bravo!

I am now more inspired to practise more diligently.

From Russia with Love

2008-10-27T23:22:00.008+08:00

I would like to point readers of this blog to this concert. Although the programme of this concert does not entirely feature the double bass, audience will get to listen to Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante performed by Guennadi Mouzyka on the double bass, Alexander Souptel on the violin and Kerim Vergazov on the piano. This concert is part of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory's Faculty Recital Series.

Here are the details:

From Russia with Love
8 November 2008, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Concert Hall
Tickets available at S$20, S$15 each (Exclude Booking Fee)
Tickets sold at all SISTIC outlets.

The Bass Line

2008-10-12T14:21:00.005+08:00

For the double bass players in Singapore who are interested to listen to music for double bass solo and double bass quartet, performed by students from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, do take note of the following event:

The Bass Line
24 October 2008, Friday, 7:00 PM
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Orchestra Hall
Free admission.

Lawrence Wolfe master class summary, by Jason Heath

2008-10-07T22:15:00.004+08:00

I would like to point readers to a useful summary by Jason Heath from his attendance of a master class conducted by Lawrence Wolfe. Check it out here: Lawrence Wolfe master class summary.

Couleurs de L'arc-en-Ciel (Colours of the Rainbow)

2008-08-31T22:06:00.001+08:00

Here's an invitation:

10 Sep 2008 (Wednesday), 7:00pm
The Plaza, The National Library (The ground floor)
100 Victoria Street
Singapore 188064
Free Admission

Programme:
ROSSINI The Barber of Seville Overture
LLOYD WEBBER Symphonic Reflections
H. ZIMMER The Pirates of the Caribbean
JOHN WILLIAMS Schindler’s List
ROSSINI The Thieving Magpie Overture
A. SILVESTRI Forrest Gump Suite

For more details, please click this link. Do come and support please.

10 Sep 2008: Couleurs de L'arc-en-Ciel

2008-07-27T20:06:00.007+08:00

Below are the details of an upcoming performance that the NUS Symphony Orchestra and members of d'Bassists will be involved in. Your support will be greatly appreciated. See you there.

Couleurs de L'arc-en-Ciel (Colours of the Rainbow)
10 September 2008 (Wednesday),
7 p.m.,
The Plaza,
The National Library,
Free admission

An evening with the NUS Symphony Orchestra: young and ardent music lovers bring to life an impressive repertoire, including world-famous works like Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' and extracts from Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning 'Schindler's List'.

(The photo in this post was taken at The Plaza, The National Library on 15 September 2007.)

Lower-cost Equipment Fixes

2008-07-08T23:28:00.000+08:00

Jeff Weisner, double bassist from National Symphony Orchestra, who also teaches the double bass at The Peabody Institute in Baltimore and co-authors the blog PeabodyDoubleBass offers some insightful tips on various ways to improve the sound and playability of one's double bass using relatively inexpensive methods.

Here's the link to his post on doublebassblog.org: Double Bass Socialism Part II: Equipment Fixes for Cheap

Standing versus sitting for the double bassist

2008-06-04T23:08:00.000+08:00

Jason Heath discusses about the advantages and disadvantages of various types of standing and sitting stances for the double bassist in his post Standing versus sitting for the double bassist. This is worthy to check out.

**
Also refer to this link for follow-up posts:
-news-from-the-music-blogosphere-2.html

What's in the library?

2008-05-16T22:42:00.001+08:00

Method Book for the Double Bass

In this post which I hope may develop into a series of related post, I would highlight to readers from Singapore some of the noteworthy double bass literature that they can have access to from the libraries under the National Library Board.

Method books shall be first on my list. When it comes to method books for the double bass, it is worthy to take a look at F. Simandl's New Method for the Double Bass. Right here in Singapore, a copy of this method book can be found at library@esplanade for browsing. The call number is:
English 787.5076 SIM -[ART] v.

What I like about this method book: There are some orchestral excerpts that are found in this method book. In addition, this method book provides insights to playing scales in various keys on the double bass.

However, double bass player, Jason Heath, pointed out that the fingering positions proposed by Simandl are comparatively more difficult to remember and pretty non-intuitive as compared to the new method of Francois Rabbath and his followers.

Nevertheless, Simandl's method is fairly systematic in its approach and offers some essential studies for any double bass student who aspires to play in an orchestra or a string ensemble. In fact, I understand that Simandl's method is, according to Jason Heath, one of the predominant double bass pedagogical methods used in the United States today.

F. Simandl's New Method for the Double Bass also contains a few photographs showing how one should hold a double bass and the bow. Other than providing studies for the left-hand, it also contains many studies that focus on the right-hand technique.

If you should find this method book to be of some use to your study of the double bass, original copies of it can be purchased from Lemur Music: Item number: CFE01

Bassiona Amorosa

2008-04-28T20:57:00.000+08:00

Jason Heath's post pointed me to learn about the German double bass ensemble Bassiona Amorosa.

All members of this ensemble playing in variable settings are students of the Contrabass Master Class of Prof. Klaus Trumpf at the State University of Music in Munich; all are for the most part multiple prize winners in international competitions (in Germany, USA, CR, ARDCompetition etc.). (view source)

In the You-Tube video above, this ensemble performs Sabre Dance.

To find out more about this double bass ensemble, please visit the ensemble's website: http://www.bassiona-amorosa.de/

Double bass Masterclass with Dr Paul Erhard

2008-03-13T22:17:00.006+08:00

Dr Paul Erhard is known internationally in the double bass world as a performer and teacher. His pioneering efforts playing the music of India led him to form the double bass-flute-tabla trio Atmic Vision.

For double bass players in Singapore who are keen to learn from Dr Paul Erhard, you may be pleased to learn that he will be conducting a double bass masterclass in Singapore.

Here are the details:

Doublebass Masterclass with Dr. Paul Erhard
25 March 2008, Tuesday, 5:00PM
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Orchestra Hall (3rd level)*
Free admission

I was reading up about Dr Paul Erhard's teaching philosophy and I have found this: "Dr Paul Erhard’s aim (in teaching) is to help his students become their own best teachers so that they are able to progress quickly and achieve the musicals goals they aspire to reach." (source: http://www.amazingbass.net)

It will be lovely if I could get a chance to learn from him somehow. Meantime, to learn more Dr Paul Erhard, here are some websites that you can visit:
http://www.amazingbass.net
http://www.colorado.edu/music/faculty/erhard.html

* Note: According to reliable sources, there may be a change in the venue to the recital studio. Nevertheless, it will still be at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.

***
YouTube video source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUScezb4Dfk (opening section of Bottesini's Sonnambula)

Frederick Charlton's Bach on Fire

2008-03-02T11:19:00.001+08:00

Bach on Fire is a recording consisting of ten of Mr. Frederick Charlton's favorite selections from J.S. Bach's famous Unaccompanied Partitas for solo violin arranged and performed on the double bass.

To listen to excerpts from the above recording, please visit:

http://www.myspace.com/frederickcharlton

In addition, you can add yourself as a friend of Frederick Charlton on MySpace.com.

Four double bass recitals held on 12 Mar 2008

2008-03-02T00:32:00.005+08:00

For all double bass players in Singapore, this is a day to make yourself free so as to listen to not just one, but four double bass recitals.

These four senior recitals are put up by four different graduating students from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory. All these recitals will be held at the YST Conservatory Concert Hall.

Here are the details:

On 12 March 2008 (Wed)
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, Conservatory Concert Hall

3.30 p.m.: Senior Recital: Teo Jiajia Sandy, double bass
5.00 p.m.: Senior Recital: He Xiaoyi, double bass
6.30 p.m.: Senior Recital: Wang Luyao
8.00 p.m.: Senior Recital: Yao Yao

Free admission.

(source: http://scmapp.nus.edu.sg/events/eventcalendar/index.aspx)

23 Jan 2008

2008-03-02T00:24:00.000+08:00

ExxonMobil Campus Concerts
Miniatures
by NUS Symphony Orchestra
(a member of NUS Centre For the Arts)
23 January 2008, Wednesday, 8 p.m.
University Cultural Centre Theatre
Free Admission

Works performed by d'Bassists at this concert:

- Tony Osborne's Blues-Style
- Francesco Durante's Allegro deciso (transcribed by Fred Zimmermann)

Jazzy double bass duets

2008-01-26T23:03:00.000+08:00

For the jazz lovers, here is a link to a You-Tube clip of Christian McBride & Niels Pederson playing jazz tunes of Bye Bye Blackbird, composed by Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon in 1926, on the double bass in a duet performance. I like the interesting melody line and rhythms.

Many thanks to Jason Heath for pointing me to the above clip.

Reference:
Christian McBride e Niels Pederson - Bye Bye Blackbird

Miniatures

2008-01-13T22:40:00.000+08:00

"Are you intimidated by large orchestra concerts?
Or, have you had enough of radio that you now crave for some 'live' music?

Be treated to an array of bite-sized pieces from classical to contemporary, brought to you by the NUS Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensembles! We present you Miniatures, where you can see your favourite instruments of the orchestra take the centre-stage!

With a flute duet, an oboe quartet, a percussion ensemble and a bass ensemble among our string quartets, spend a lovely evening enjoying works from Mozart to Gershwin as we bring both the instruments and their players up-close and personal! "

ExxonMobil Campus Concerts
Miniatures
by NUS Symphony Orchestra
(a member of NUS Centre For the Arts)
23 January 2008, Wednesday, 8pm
University Cultural Centre Theatre
Free Admission

Programme includes:
- Blues-Style by Tony Osborne (Double bass trio, Performed by d'Bassists)
- "American" String Quartet No. 12 in F, Op. 96, 1st Mvt, by Antonin Dvořák
- Andante et rondo for two flutes and a piano Op. 25, by Franz Doppler
- Por Una Cabeza – Tango, by Carlos Gardel
- Concertante for Violin, Viola, Mvt 2 & 3, by W. A. Mozart
and more!

Tina Ward's article: Empty seats - What can musicians do?

2008-01-06T22:26:00.000+08:00

Above Photo: Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore.

Polyphonic.org is the Orchestra Musician Forum. Polyphonic.org offers quite a number of insightful articles for musicians who play in orchestras.

I came across an insightful article by Tina Ward, titled Empty Seats - What Can We Do?. Do check it out.

Here's a short quote from the article:

Although most orchestras present many concerts a year, each concert is unique and can never be truly duplicated. It is the spontaneity, atmosphere, and excitement that, for me, set live music apart from recordings and create a truly unique, special, and magical event. A concert is a one-of-a-kind, totally handmade product....

...What Can We (as musicians) Do?

If this seems of interest to you, read the article here: http://polyphonic.org/article.php?id=7&page=2

A Flame in the Night

2007-12-30T21:47:00.002+08:00

NUS Symphony Orchestra proudly presents: A Flame in the Night!

Featuring favourites like Beethoven's 5th Symphony, Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 in D and Stravinsky's "Dance of the Inferno" from the Firebird suite, NUS Symphony Orchestra brings you a night of music, passion, fate and life.

Date: 1 Mar 2008
Time: Evening, 8 p.m.,
Venue: Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concert Hall.
Tickets are available from Gatecrash.

Promotions: Free movie passes for every purchase of four tickets (limited stock, through Gatecrash Hotline and Internet Booking).
Concessions: 15% off for NUS Student. 10% off for NUS Staff and Alumni.

Hans Strum teaches the Rabbath technique

2007-12-22T17:40:00.000+08:00

Double bass players may be interested to learn about the Rabbath left hand position technique. How does it differ from the Simandl's technique?

International Society of Bassists President and Ball State University Bass Professor Hans Sturm shares about the concepts behind the Rabbath technique in a multi-part video series on Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog and Contrabass Conversations.

Here are the links to this series:

Hans Sturm and Jason Heath talk Rabbath technique - video
Hans Sturm teaches the Rabbath technique - part 2
Hans Sturm teaches the Rabbath technique - part 3
Applying the Rabbath technique to Bottesini - Hans Sturm video part 4
General mental approaches to practicing the double bass - Hans Sturm video part 5

Music Camp 2007

2007-12-15T20:35:00.000+08:00

A snapshot from the Quartet Masterclass.
Photo taken by our orchestra's Publication Secretary

The Conducting Masterclass
Photo taken by our orchestra's Publication Secretary

The NUS Symphony Orchestra has had its annual music camp from 11 - 14 Dec 2007. Members of d'Bassists rehearsed works scored for the double bass ensemble during the music camp. WL is one of the newest members of d'Bassists.

On 12 Dec 2007, d'Bassists presented a double bass trio item during the Quartet Masterclass. It seemed implied that the Quartet Masterclass was more intended for strings quartet. Afterall, double bass quartets and double bass trios are comparatively less common than strings quartets.

Anyway, d'Bassists presented Tony Osborne's Blues-Styles. This time, yours truly is playing the first part, XM the second and WL the third. Mr Foo gave the trio some tips during the masterclass. Blues-Styles is written in 4/4 time. He suggested that for this work, we could practise using the metronome, and have the metronome count in twos. The tip is that instead of having the strong beats of the metronome falling on the 1st and 3rd beats, the strong beats should be falling on the 2nd and 4th beats to let the music groove. There were a few other tips. Meantime, many thanks to Mr Foo for his tips.

In the evening of 13 Dec 2007, there was a barbeque. I was absent as I have two classes to attend that evening. Neverthless, I am sure it was fun.

On 14 Dec 2007, our conductor gave a masterclass on conducting. I could not be present due to work commitments, but from the photos that were taken during the Conducting Masterclass, it seems to be interesting and enriching.

Many thanks to the executive committee of the orchestra for organising the music camp.

Holding the German bow: article by Robert Oppelt

2007-12-09T18:28:00.000+08:00

Special thanks to Jason Heath for recommending Robert Oppelt's online article about the various German-bow grips used by professionals.

Robert Oppelt is the principal double bassist of the National Symphony Orchestra, the resident orchestra of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (source: http://www.robertoppelt.com/index.html)

Jason Heath has aptly summed up the various German-bow grips that Robert Oppelt has identified as follow:

1. Two fingers on top, free thumb
2. Like the previous, but only the first finger applies the weight
3. Two fingers on top, assisted by the thumb on the stick
4. One finger on top and thumb on top
5. Fingers on top, thumb buried under first finger
6. Side of the thumb on top along stick, fingers on side (or tip of first finger on top)
7. Similar to (6), but the thumb is less on its side, more on its tip
8. Thumb on top along stick, frog deep in hand
9. Thumb along stick, frog very deep in hand, wrist very bent
10. Straight thumb, bow further out in fingers and thumb
11. Thumb wraps over stick at about 45 degree angle, stick not completely deep in the hand

To find out which is his preferred grip, please read Robert Oppelt's article here: http://www.robertoppelt.com/page8.html

Andrés Martín's site in English language

2007-12-02T16:57:00.000+08:00

Earlier this July, this blog mentioned about the double bassist Andrés Martín, and the Contrabajos de Baja California double bass ensemble that was formed by him.

Andrés Martín has designed and put up a English website recently. Do check it out here:
http://andresmartin.110mb.com/index-eng.html

The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians

2007-11-23T22:30:00.000+08:00

For musicians who are looking for an authoritative reference source on the subject of music, The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is probably the most authoritative one available in the English language.

According to an entry on Wikipedia on this dictionary, "The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is an encyclopedic dictionary of music and musicians...and is the leading music reference source in English for both encyclopedic information and bibliographies". At the point in writing, the latest edition of this dictionary is named The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2nd edition), edited by Stanley Sadie and John Tyrrell.

I find that The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is a very useful reference for one to start off with when one is doing research for the purpose of writing programme notes, or simply, to learn more about an established composer or a musical term.

There is an online edition of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. Here's the URL for Grove Music Online: http://www.grovemusic.com
(Note: Subscription to its services would be necessary to access the database.)

For readers who are living in Singapore, The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2nd edition) is available for reference purposes at the following public libraries: library@esplanade, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, and Woodlands Regional Library.

Rosin for use in Singapore's climate

2007-11-16T21:18:00.000+08:00

What is rosin used for? To produce a sound from a string-instrument, a string-player would usually draw a bow across one of the strings of the instrument. In order to increase friction and make the bow-hair grip the string and produce a sound, a regular application of rosin is required.

Rosin is a solid form of resin obtained from various species of pine tree. The Contrabass Shoppe has a page that gives a very informative account about how rosin are made and a short account of why some double bass players prefer soft rosin wheras others prefer hard rosin. Here's the URL: http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htm

In this post, I shall attempt to share my personal experiences of using various kinds of rosin in the Singapore's climate. Singapore's climate can be described as being humid in general. According to one source, the mean daily temperature is 26.8°C.

The Contrabass Shoppe has featured three different kinds of rosin and described them in fair detail. I shall attempt to share my personal experiences with two of the rosins mentioned on The Contrabasso Shoppe.

Nyman Rosin
Photo credit: http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htm

Nyman rosin is quite a great rosin to use in the Singapore's climate. Firstly, it is not too sticky in our climate, and as such, it will not be prone to melting itself away under the hot tropical climate. A bow with Nyman rosin feels fairly easy to control and has a fairly rounded tone. I think it works very well when playing music from the Classical period, especially works composed by Mozart.

The only thing to be careful is try to store it in places where it is not prone to falls. Bad falls can break a piece of Nyman rosin to unsightly pieces.

Pops Rosin
Photo credit: http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htm

I initially did not like the sticky feel of Pops rosin. It would demand a bit more deliberate bow control to achieve a delicate and smooth tone on the bow that is rubbed with Pops rosin. However, this is one rosin that makes the double bass sound clear and bright. I find that it works particularly well when I play symphonies by Beethoven.

My main word of caution is that please keep the Pops rosin in its red container, and keep the container preferably in an upright position. Otherwise, Pops rosin is likely to melt under the hot weather and gets distorted in its shape, and you may find yourself in a sticky mess. In addition, as compared to when I was using Nyman rosin, I find myself rehairing my bow more regularly when I use Pops rosin.

Petz
Thanks to P., I have the pleasure to use Petz No. 2 rosin. Petz No. 2 rosin helps in the production of a beautiful and warm tone when I used it in United Kingdom in a dry and fairly cool climate. However, Petz No. 2 rosin feels very soft and tends to be prone to shape-distortion in the Singapore's climate.

Carlsson Swedish Bass Rosin
I personally find Carlsson Swedish Bass Rosin to have similar properties to Nyman Rosin. Maybe this arise because I could not differentiate the subtle differences between the two? I particularly like the design of its container because I know that it will be difficult for me to lose the lid.

L'Opera's Jade, Double Bass Solo rosin
My personal experience with this rosin is pretty mixed. A bow rubbed with this rosin produces a fairly delicate and soft sound. I find that there is less "noise" and it feels more smooth playing the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor when using Jade rosin as compared to Pops rosin. However, this rosin does not seem to provide enough grip in the Singapore's climate. I felt the rosin was lacking in grip especially when playing fast passages.

Meantime, if you have personal experiences to share about the use of rosin in the Singapore's climate, please add your views to the comments-section.

***
Most of the above-mentioned rosins can be purchased from the following places (Note: this list is not exhaustive):
http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htm
http://www.synwin.com.sg/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=350

Synwin Enterprises
845 Geylang Rd, #03-01 Tg Katong Complex, Singapore 400845
Tel: 6743 7865
Fax: 6743 4862
Website: www.synwin.com.sg

Frank Brothers Violins
1 Esplanade Drive, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, #02-08 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 038981
Tel: 6883 2581
Website: www.frankbrosmusic.com

References:
http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosin

Happy Birthday Tony Osborne!

2007-11-08T20:49:00.000+08:00

10 Nov 2007 is Tony Osborne's 60th birthday! Tony Osborne is an important double bass educationalist and composer who has made significant contributions to the double bass literature. Cheers to more years of great compositions and music by Tony Osborne.

Please find a short youtube video dedicated to Tony Osborne. Wishing him a Happy Birthday!
(Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dGk_euND0A)

Tony Osborne has recently been appointed the Visiting Lecturer in Composition at Bulmershe College, University of Reading. Congratulations to Tony Osborne.

d'Bassists had performed one of Tony Osborne's compositions, Blue Styles, earlier this year. To listen to it, please visit: Tony Osborne's Blues-Style (1981)

Read more about Tony Osborne here: http://www.musiciansgallery.com/start/composers/osborne/tony.htm
http://www.ozzape.com/tony/

Last but not the least, if you would like, you are invited to join in to wish Tony Osborne a Happy Birthday!

Jason Heath's Advice for aspiring music performance majors

2007-11-02T22:46:00.000+08:00

If you should have such questions in your mind: "Should I pursue a music performance degree?", "How could I identify a good teacher from an established institute to study the double bass from?", "Where can I find resources to learn to cope with a music performance career?", then please read on.

Jason Heath, a double bassist with a B.M. and M.M. in Double Bass Performance from Northwestern University, has an interesting post that discusses on the various issues that aspiring music performance majors should take note of. This post also points the reader to resources that offer helpful tips on taking auditions.

Do find time to read: Advice for aspiring music performance majors

Aaron Copland's What to Listen for in Music

2007-10-26T23:05:00.001+08:00

What is the best way to appreciate music? Of course, the most basic and best way would be to listen to it, or to experience it.

If that is the case, why on earth would I want to write a post on the American composer, Aaron Copland's book, What to Listen for in Music?

Simply, as outlined by composer, William Schuman, in the Introduction section of this book, "Listening to music is a skill that is acquired through experience and learning. Knowledge enhances enjoyment." As such, it does help to read about and learn how to listen to music with greater skill.

In this book, Aaron Copland provides insightful suggestions for listening to music that will bring one a deeper appreciation of music. The book discusses how one can hear what is going on in a piece of music. It discusses how one could not just listen to music for the sheer pleasure of the musical sound, and not just experience the expressive meaning behind a piece of music, but to be sufficiently conscious of the sheerly musical plane, i.e to be aware of the melodies, rhythms, harmonies, tone colours and the musical form in a more conscious fashion.

I had myself acquainted with this book during my undergraduate years when I had studied a module on Contemporary Music as one of my electives. However, I had not read the entire book then. Last year, Emily presented this book to me as a Christmas gift, and I eventually got down to read the entire book. Although I had previously been acquainted to learn how to listen to music in a more conscious fashion, I have found that I was much more able to know how to and what to listen for in music after reading this book entirely. I have particularly found the book's discussion on the topic of musical form to be easy-to-understand and fairly comprehensive. I believe I would still refer to this book from time to time.

This book was written primarily with the layman in mind, but I am sure that music students and anyone else would find it a fruitful read if they were to read this book with the objective of learning how they could experience greater enjoyment when listening to music.

This book is available from Borders (Singapore) and Kinokuniya (Singapore). It is also available for purchase from Amazon.com: Aaron Copland's What to Listen for in Music.

Credits: Image source: Amazon.com

Emily the composer

2007-10-20T00:20:00.000+08:00

Credit: Image taken from http://www.emilykoh.net

Emily, local composer, has her own website with her own domain name. Find out more about Emily and her endeavours in composing music here: http://www.emilykoh.net

Besides composing, Emily is also an avid double bassist. She is a founding member of d’Bassists.

10 Nov 2007: The Bass Line

2007-10-13T00:02:00.000+08:00

Students from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (Singapore) will be presenting The Bass Line, a concert of Double Bass Music on 10 November 2007 (Sat), 7.30 p.m.

Venue: Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Orchestra Hall (3rd level)
Please click here for the link to the location map

Do make time to support this interesting concert. Admission is free.

**
For more information about the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, please check out this URL: http://music.nus.edu.sg/about/

Also read about Mr Guennadi Mouzyka, Artist Faculty, Double Bass, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.

Practice Tracks on Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog

2007-10-07T09:39:00.000+08:00

For the strings players, while practising scales, have you ever wish that someone could be playing scales on the keyboard together with you so that you could listen to how each note would sound and then pitch your notes to the correct intonation?

While practising a piece of music, have you ever hope that someone could play the same of music along with you?

Practice tracks can be a solution to the above demands. One particular site which I recommend double bass players should check out is the series of practice tracks available on Jason Health's Double Bass Blog. Jason Health's Double Bass Blog is an online resources that I would turn to for double-bass-related news and contents. I have been reading it almost every day.

You can find the links to these practice tracks right below:

Double Bass MP3 Scales
Double Bass MP3 Sonatas, Concertos, and Solos
Double Bass MP3 Orchestral Excerpts

Happy learning.

No fret on the double bass, but fret not

2007-09-30T00:33:00.001+08:00

"How do you play a double bass without the frets?". This is one of the questions that audience who came for d'Bassists' performance, Esplanade Presents: At the Concourse: Basso Bravo! would ask.

Yes, there is no fret on the double bass. Like this webpage says, it takes practice to learn where the notes are. Please check out the video found on the webpage. It gives a brief introduction to how one can develop a sound left-hand technique to play the double bass.

To establish a sound fingering technique, I find it helpful for myself to use some kind of established double bass method. Jason Heath has a few posts that discuss on a few of the known double bass methods. Please do read them here:
Rabbath versus Simandl – a comparative study
Follow-Up to Rabbath versus Simandl

Where researching on this topic of playing on the fretless double bass, I came across a double bass fingering chart. (This chart seems to be best viewed using Internet Explorer.) Do check it out and get an idea of how to play without the frets.

**
Also read:
Getting a hold on the double bass
How is the double bass tuned?

Getting started to play the double bass

2007-09-23T09:46:00.000+08:00

How does one get started on learning to play the double bass? How does one hold the double bass?

I have known of folks who play the electric bass who have keen interest in learning to play the double bass. There are also people who are simply curious or interested to learn how to get started on the double bass.

If you would like to be enlightened on these issues, I would like to point you to a multi-part series of video podcasts with Lyric Opera of Chicago and Grant Park Symphony bassist Andrew Anderson. He teaches at Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts.In the series, Andrew Anderson teaches concepts, ideas, and techniques for this double bass.

Check out the first of the series here at Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog: Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson part 1.

If you like it, please visit Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog regularly for more of the series.

Sources: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ4ctFAe7r0,
Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson part 1

**
Others in the series:

Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson - part 2 (holding the bow; concepts and exercises to aid in the development of a solid bow technique)
Virtual lesson with Andrew Anderson - Part 3 (the French bow hold)
Virtual Lesson With Andrew Anderson - Part 4 (developing smooth bow changes)
Virtual Lesson With Andrew Anderson - Part 5 (techniques used in articulation and connecting long notes)
Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson - Part 6 (developing articulation in the bow)
Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson - Part 7 (developing spiccato)
Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson - Part 8 (deep analysis of the spiccato stroke)
Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson - Part 9 (different spiccato strokes for different situations)
Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson - Part 10 (developing left hand efficiency)

(Updated on 22 Dec 2007)

Pot-luck dinner at our conductor's home

2007-09-23T08:38:00.000+08:00

Last evening, there was a pot-luck dinner and gathering at our orchestra's conductor's home. We had a pretty good turn-out last evening.

YJ made lovely apple pies. She told me she uses green apples to make the fillings. QY's muffins were nice treats too. I like the salad made by Charmaine. It was served in a appetising-looking watermelon.

Our conductor also showed us a DVD recording of the 3rd and 4th movement of Mahler's First Symphony, Stravinsky's The Firebird (Infernal dance of King Kashchei) and Hadyn's Cello concerto in D featuring the late Mistislav Rostropovich as the soloist.

In a conversation, our conductor also shared with me how he would like the double bass solo in the third movement of Mahler's First Symphony to be interpreted and played: with many layers of emotions.

At the gathering, our conductor also gave us a demonstration of two of the toy-tanks that he has built. It was fascinating that they actually could move under the control of a remote control, and they can make firing sounds!

It seemed that the night was very young for most of the folks who had came for the gathering. I was one of the first few who had to excuse myself for home at about 10 p.m. As such, I had missed the lantern-carrying activities.

The above photo was taken by Chong Han.

A short coverage: Fantasie Passionée

2007-09-15T19:55:00.000+08:00

The performance this afternoon has quite a pretty good turnout. Many thanks to the people who have came to support the performance, and the people who have made the performance possible.

The attire for today's performance was the new orchestra T-shirt.

When the sound-check and technical rehearsal had started, the double basses and a few other instruments were still on the lorry, on their way to the performance venue. As such, I could sneak a bit of time to take a few photographs of the technical rehearsal.

The microphones were very essential for this performance. Without the microphones, the strings would have sounded overpowered by the winds in the outdoor setting.

Transporting the instruments for this performance would certainly require good planning. Take a closer peep at the photographs, and one could see that instruments like the harp, the bass drum, the timpani, and even the saxophones were used for the performance.

After the performance, I heard that a number of the members of the orchestra went for dinner at the nearby Fish & Co. restaurant. A week later, the orchestra will have a gathering at the conductor's place.

15 Sep 07 at National Library Plaza

2007-09-15T08:42:00.000+08:00

One of my favourite songs from Phantom of the Opera is "All I ask of you". I have some good memories watching this musical two years ago at Her Majesty's Theatre in London.

Later this afternoon, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., the NUS Symphony Orchestra will be performing selections of tunes from Phantom of the Opera at the National Library Plaza, along Victoria Street (nearest MRT station: Bugis), and it is free. Yours truly will be one of the members of the orchestra who will be playing.

Audience to the performance can expect to be treated to selections of tunes from Phantom of the Opera and King and I. If audience would like music that sounds seductive, I am sure that listening to selected movements from Bizet's Carmen Suite No. 1 and Carmen Suite No. 2 will be a pleasant treat.

My personal favourite is Gounod's Faust where I think the double bass parts are simple yet very effective. Faust is one work where the double bass may be playing seemingly easy parts, but it serves a very important role in providing the rhythmic foundation to the orchestra.

We will be having a technical rehearsal from 1.30 p.m. to 2.15 p.m. later this afternoon. I have not played at the National Library Plaza and I suppose it would be helpful to do a sound check before the performance.

Beyond Campus
Fantasie Passionée
By the NUS Symphony Orchestra
(a member of NUS Centre For the Arts)
15 September 2007 (Saturday), 3pm
National Library Plaza (Ground Floor)
100 Victoria Street
Singapore 188064
Free Admission

Her Majesty's Theatre, in London.

Also see: http://dbassists.blogspot.com/2007/08/fantasie-passione.html

The royal fantasy of The King and I, etc

2007-09-08T13:20:00.000+08:00

Join the NUS Symphony Orchestra for a relaxing afternoon of flowing melodies from popular opera and theatre. Enjoy music with themes of passion and fantasy, from the fatally seductive Carmen and the deadly passionate Faust, to the royal fantasy of The King and I and the romantic phantom of the opera house.

Established in 1995, the NUS Symphony Orchestra has grown under the baton of Maestro Lim Soon Lee. The orchestra comprises over 80 students, alumni and guest players all passionate about making music.

Beyond Campus
Fantasie Passionée
By the NUS Symphony Orchestra
(a member of NUS Centre For the Arts)
15 September 2007 (Saturday), 3pm
National Library Plaza (Ground Floor)
100 Victoria Street
Singapore 188064
Free Admission
(Nearest MRT station: Bugis)

**
Yes, if you are wondering why d'Bassists haven't been rehearsing for double bass ensemble works, it is because our members are spending time to rehearse for Fantasie Passionée by the NUS Symphony Orchestra.

Also see: http://dbassists.blogspot.com/2007/08/fantasie-passione.html

Emily's in Baltimore

2007-09-07T09:32:00.000+08:00

Emily, one of the members of d'Bassists, is now in Baltimore, USA, for the Students' Exchange Programme. She will be there for one semester. Wishing her an enriching and fruitful time there.

In this post, you will find some of the photos that she has posted. For more, please visit her blog: http://www.pinkified.blogspot.com

Photo credit: Emily.

Virtual Master Class Project

2007-09-01T23:39:00.000+08:00

I would like to point readers to Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog for a useful resource: Virtual Master Class Project, particularly for double bass players.

This project is the brainchild of Memphis Symphony principal bassist Scott Best. Scott Best and Jason Heath have played together in the IRIS Chamber Orchestra for years.

The Virtual Master Class Project is aimed at helping the participants to get feedback on their playing from professionals all over the world.

Read more about how to take part in the Virtual Master Class Project here.

To listen to the published submissions to the project, please visit VMC tracks.

Making a good sound on the double bass

2007-08-26T11:48:00.000+08:00

John Floeter's Bass Studio has an informative and useful post on how one could achieve a good sound on the double bass.

Do take some time to read it: Practice Organization: Making a Good Sound.

Dinner gathering at Kampong Glam

2007-08-22T00:14:00.000+08:00

On 20 Aug 2007, a few double bassists, Dinah, Emily and myself, met for dinner at this part of Singapore that is commonly referred to as Kampong Glam. You can check out this site for more information about Kampong Glam: http://www.malayheritage.org.sg/history.html

Emily would be leaving for US for the students' exchange programme and the dinner was a farewell dinner for her. Here's wishing her a Bon Voyage.

Our original plan was to have dinner at Restoran Tepak Sireh. The restaurant is housed in a historical monument called Gedung Kuning ("Yellow House" in Malay) built more than 150 years ago. However, when we were there, we found out that the restaurant was closed.

Gedung Kuning

In the end, we had dinner at Alaturka instead. This place serves Turkish cuisine. Food and the company were good. Now, let the photos do the talking.

From left to right, top to bottom: Turkish coffee (worth trying), Hummus, Lavash (cheap and good), Musakka (mutton, must try), Spangile (chocolate mousse), Karisik kebab, Sultan's Pleasure.

Alaturka
Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant
16 Bussorah Street Singapore 199437
Tel/Fax: 62940304

Holding the bow

2007-08-16T23:33:00.000+08:00

How does one hold a double bass bow?

Michael Hopkin's String Pedagogy Notebook gives an interesting and easy-to-understand guide to holding the bow.

In particular, readers who are interested to learn how to hold the bow of the double bass, may like to visit the following pages from Michael Hopkin's String Pedagogy Notebook:

It is hoped that you will find the above resources helpful.

***
Another helpful resource to refer to on this topic would be Dr. Mark Morton's Double Bass Technique: Concepts and Ideas.

Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles

2007-08-10T23:23:00.000+08:00

If you like Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles, see if you like this rendition performed by a double bass orchestra from Athens. I think it is interesting to listen and realise how versatile a double bass can be. Many thanks to Jason Heath for pointing me to this video.

There is a site that provides an interpretation to the lyrics of Eleanor Ridgby by The Beatles for those who are interested to read more: http://entrypoints.com/RockLyrics/EleanorRigby.html

Source of video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKUoF8N1FjU

Does anyone happen to know the name of this double bass orchestra that had played in the video shown above? I hope to give the due credits and acknowledgements to the group for its nice rendition of the work.

Fantasie Passionée

2007-08-04T23:26:00.000+08:00

If you are keen to listen to a Symphony Orchestra play music from King and I, Phantom of the Opera and others, then you may be interested to attend the following free performance:

Beyond Campus
Fantasie Passionée
By the NUS Symphony Orchestra
(a member of NUS Centre For the Arts)
15 September 2007 (Saturday), 3pm
National Library Plaza (Ground Floor)
100 Victoria Street
Singapore 188064
Free Admission

Programme:

1. G. Bizet's Carmen Suite No.1 & Carmen Suite No. 2 (selected movements)
2. C. H. Gounod's Faust (selected movements)
3. Selections from King and I (Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Music by Richard Rodgers, Arranged by Bob Lowden.)
4. Selections from Phantom of the Opera (Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Arranged by Calvin Custer)

The performance is about one hour in duration.

Synopsis:

Join the NUS Symphony Orchestra for a relaxing afternoon of flowing melodies from popular opera and theatre. Enjoy music with themes of passion and fantasy, from the fatally seductive Carmen and the deadly passionate Faust, to the royal fantasy of The King and I and the romantic phantom of the opera house.

Established in 1995, the NUS Symphony Orchestra has grown under the baton of Maestro Lim Soon Lee. The orchestra comprises over 80 students, alumni and guest players all passionate about making music.

In conjunction with Expressions, organised by the National Library Board.
***

If you wish to know, a number of the members from d'Bassists will be performing in this performance.

Poster designed by Chua Chong Han.
The photos in this post were taken during NUS Symphony Orchestra's concert held on 16 Mar 2007. Photo credits: Jay.

This post was updated on 6 Sep 2007.

Where to find a double bass practice mute in Singapore?

2007-08-04T00:12:00.000+08:00

Double bass with a practice mute placed onto its bridge.
The practice mute dampens the sound of the double bass.

In Singapore, the majority of the people are flat-dwellers who live in fairly close proximity to one another. As such, a practice mute can be a useful accessory for a double bass player in Singapore to have. It can help a double bass player play on his/her instrument with minimal noise-production even during the wee hours of the night. Of course, the neighbours must not have very low tolerance level for the sound of the double bass.

Admittedly, I do not particularly like playing using a practice mute. When a practice mute is placed on the double bass, the instrument would sound muted and fairly nasal when played. Yet, a practice mute can be one of the most neighbour-friendly and useful items to have if one were required to practise on the double bass during the wee hours of the night.

For those who need the information on where to find and purchase a double bass practice mute in Singapore, here is a listing of the shops that sell double bass practice mute:

Synwin Enterprises
845 Geylang Rd, #03-01 Tg Katong Complex, Singapore 400845
Tel: 6743 7865
Fax: 6743 4862
Website: www.synwin.com.sg
Email: reubennsons@synwin.com.sg

Frank Brothers Violins
1 Esplanade Drive, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, #02-08 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 038981
Tel: 6883 2581
Website: www.frankbrosmusic.com

Gramercy Music (S) Pte Ltd
293 Tg Katong Rd, Singapore 437076.
Tel: 6345 3815
Fax: 6440 4513

Please take note that the above-listing may not be comprehensive as it is based solely on my own personal experience. Please do call the shops in advance to check on the availability of the practice mute.

Rehearsals in the past

2007-07-20T21:28:00.000+08:00

Many thanks again to the friends and supporters who have attended d'Bassists' performance, Esplanade Presents: At the Concourse: Basso Bravo!

It is time for some nostalgia. So please sit back and enjoy some photos taken from our past rehearsals.

The ensemble: Contrabajos de Baja California

2007-07-14T09:40:00.000+08:00

Contrabajos de Baja California. Video source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V08hwHqeTz4
Taken on 13 Jun 2007.

Seven double basses on the stage. Contrabajos de Baja California is a double bass ensemble formed by Andrés Martín (living in Tijuana, Mexico) with his students. Most of Andrés' students are beginners to the double bass.

I am inspired by Andrés' passion for the double bass and his good efforts in forming a double bass ensemble with his students. Recently, I have been corresponding with Andrés via texted messages. I have found the following words from one of his messages worth a read and a thought about:

Andrés: "I believe that a bass ensemble is the best place to learn how to play chamber music (for a bass player) and (it) challenges our technique so keep playing with your ensemble as long as you can."

With players of varying level of playing, most being beginners, I believe that Andrés probably has had a challenging time writing interesting yet effective arrangements for his double bass ensemble. In this post, I shall share the above video of Contrabajos de Baja California having fun playing on the double bass. Please do listen out for how Andrés attempts to arrange for the double bass ensemble.

**

Andrés has his own blog which is in Spanish: http://www.andresmartin.blogspot.com

Video recordings of Andrés playing the double bass can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/user/mgandres

He is also a member of a tango quartet, and the quartet's website is: http://www.cuatroparatango.com

Barry Green's Inner Game of Music

2007-07-08T09:12:00.000+08:00

Image source: http://www.innergameofmusic.com

Nervousness, self doubt, and fear of failure. How does a person who is learning or playing music overcome these internal obstacles?

In Inner Game of Music authored by double bassist, Barry Green and co-authored by Timothy Gallwey, one can learn how to acknowledge and overcome these internal obstacles in order to bring a new quality to their experience and learning of music.

I have read Inner Game of Music a few years ago and I have found it an insightful and useful read. It has helped me to better deal with thoughts and feelings of self doubt and the fear of failure. Admittedly, I did find the first few chapters of this book quite technical to read. It took me quite a long time before I had managed to read through those first few chapters. However, thereafter, the rest of the chapters became more interesting to read.

Inner Game of Music also covers topics such as how one can learn in the most natural way, and to experience the joy of music. It also contains chapters on ensemble playing, and tips for music teachers.

One of the sections that I have found useful is the topic on Permission to fail leads to success. It speaks about how giving ourselves the permission to fail could help us to overcome the ill concerns that we might otherwise feel about performing a piece of music. In turn, we are left free to accomplish the task at hand. To find out more, you may wish to read this book.

Please do check out this site for more information: http://www.innergameofmusic.com

Listen to Contrabass Conversations

2007-07-03T00:25:00.000+08:00

Where in this world can a double bass enthuasiast listen to interviews with fellow double bassists like François Rabbath, Ira Gold and many more simply by sitting in front of one's computer?

There is such a place, online at http://contrabassconversations.com.

Contrabass Conversations is a project by double bassist, Jason Heath. It is a weekly 20-30 minute podcast devoted to all aspects of the double bass. Episodes will be released every Monday. In this project, Jason will do interviews with double bassists from all walks of life.

Some of these interviews offer insightful tips to double bass playing and practising, and are worth your time listening to. Even a short five-minutes listening to just one of those tips could have a significant impact in enhancing one's playing of the double bass.

For your convenience, you can listen to Contrabass Conversations right from d'Bassists official webhome. Please click accordingly on the Podcast icon on the left side-bar of this blog, and presto, you can listen to your selected track.

My encounter with L'Orchestre de Contrebasses

2007-06-27T00:17:00.000+08:00

Cool music video of L'Orchestre de Contrebasses on stage.

In the year 2000, L'Orchestre de Contrebasses gave two concerts at the Victoria Concert Hall as part of the Singapore Arts Festival 2000. I have had the privilege to be there to listen to them. Their items combine music, visual and stage effects. To get an idea of their original and creative approach to playing the double bass, please check out the above video.

Seven years ago, days before L'Orchestre de Contrebasses gave their concerts in Singapore, it conducted a double bass masterclass at Young Musician's Society auditorium. Almost the all the then-members of the double bass section from our orchestra went for the masterclass. It was an eye-opener for me to listen to them share about their approach to making music on the double bass.

I wonder if anyone reading this blog have attended the masterclass or the concert by L'Orchestre de Contrebasses in year 2000?

Anyway, I have reasons to believe that they have in some way inspired the double bassists from our orchestra, and planted the seeds that would eventually lead to the formation of d'Bassists. If I remember correctly, that year after their concerts, we asked our double bass tutor for music scored for the double bass ensemble and things evolved from there.

Last but not the least, please check out the above video of two items performed by L'Orchestre de Contrebasses. It looks like a cool MTV.

Here's the direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BzaF9TAFlI

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About L’Orchestre de Contrebasses:

Created in 1981 by Christian Gentet, L’Orchestre de Contrebasses symbolises a most original and promising approach to modern musical creativity...

Please also visit the website of L'Orchestre de Contrebasses: http://www.musicaguild.com/odbc/index.php

Where to buy a double bass in Singapore?

2007-06-23T20:33:00.005+08:00

This post attempts to explore the answers to the question: "Where to buy a double bass in Singapore?"

Interestingly, the idea for this post came from a nice gentleman who was one of the members of the audience who attended d'Bassists' performance, Esplanade Presents: At the Concourse: Basso Bravo!

He came for our performance on 30 May 2007 and he took part in the hands-on session. I learnt that he plays the bass guitar, and he is very keen to learn the double bass. During my short interaction with him, I briefly spoke to him on where he could buy a double bass in Singapore.

Emily and QH.

Without further delay, below is my attempt to list the various places in Singapore where you can purchase a double bass from. This list is not exhaustive nor comprehensive, but I hope it will give people who are interested in buying a double bass in Singapore some clues to start off with. Here goes the list:

Synwin Enterprises
845 Geylang Rd, #03-01 Tg Katong Complex, Singapore 400845
Tel: 6743 7865
Fax: 6743 4862
Website: www.synwin.com.sg
Email: reubennsons@synwin.com.sg

Notes by yours truly: The double bass that you see right below is a Korean-made solid wood double bass purchased from Synwin Enterprise. I bought it 7 years ago for S$2500. I find it helpful to set aside another budget to buy better strings. I didn't like the Korean strings that used to be strung on this double bass.

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Karl Heng Enterprise
Blk 231 Bain St, #02-95 Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
Telephone: 6339 1787
Fax: 6339 7657

Notes by yours truly: For students who are looking for double bass within the budget of S$1700 - S$2500, I personally find the double bass from Karl Heng enterprise value-for-money. Please call in advance to make arrangements if you wish to view the instrument.

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Gramercy Music (S) Pte Ltd
293 Tg Katong Rd, Singapore 437076
Tel: 6345 3815
Fax: 6440 4513
Website: http://www.gramercy.com.sg

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Music Essentials
100 Orchard Road, #02-70 Meridien Shopping Centre, Singapore 238840
Tel: 6737 6770
Fax: 6234 1216
Website: www.musicessentials.com

Notes by yours truly: The best person to speak to from this shop if you wish to buy a double bass would be Mr Chia Sin Teck. Do call and see if he is around before making your visit.

By the way, in the first photo on this post you will see the double bass used by Emily (the one on the left of the photo) which is bought from Music Essentials. I personally think that for people with budget between S$5000 to $15000 for a double bass, Music Essentials is one place to check out.

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Le Diapason
Website: http://www.le-diapason.com

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Online sources:
There are online sources to buy double bass from. Here are the one that I know of:
Lemur Music
Bass Works
The Contrabass Shoppe

But for the purpose of this post, I shall not go discuss about online sources in greater depth.

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Others:
The other places to buy a double bass from would be from double bass players who for one reason or another are offering their double bass for sale.

If you know of any other places in Singapore where one can purchase a double bass, please email me at oceanskies [at] hotmail [dot] com to get it listed here.

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Disclaimer: The notes by yours found on this post is solely personal opinion. You are advised to use these opinions at your own discretion.

Before I end this post, I would like to point you to a series of posts by Jason Heath on the topic of Buying a Double Bass. Do check it out.

You may also wish to read the following:
Bass Buying Information by Bass Works.
Movin' on up...to a Better Instrument by John Floeter's Bass Studio

(Updated on 13 Jan 2008)

*****
Also see: Where to buy a double bass in Singapore? Part 2

Tony Osborne's Blues-Style (1981)

2007-06-18T23:05:00.000+08:00

Courtesy of Tony Osborne and David Heyes/ Recital Music.
Tony Osborne's Blues-Style. Performed by Emily, XM and PY from d'Bassists on 31 May 2007 at Esplanade Concourse, Singapore. Esplanade Presents At The Concourse: Basso Bravo!
Video URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6egzs_Rx464

Tony Osborne's Blues-Style for 3 Double Basses, is an appealing piece of music. I find it lively and rhythmic. It's a fun piece of music to play! Enjoy the above video clip.

Taken during one of our rehearsals.

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About Tony Osborne:
(adapted from notes by David Heyes, 2004)

Tony Osborne is an important double bass educationalist and composer who has made significant contributions to the double bass literature.

In 2001, Tony Osborne was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) for his pioneering and important work for the double bass.

For more about Tony Osborne, please visit the following websites:

http://www.ozzape.com/tony (Tony Osborne's website)
http://www.musiciansgallery.com (A-Z search, under "O")

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Music available from:
http://www.tutti.co.uk
(sheet music/double bass - Publisher: Recital Music, UK)

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Related posts:
Basso Bravo
Music for Trio

The double bass solo in Mahler's First Symphony

2007-06-16T20:55:00.000+08:00

Currently, members of d'Bassists are taking a break from ensemble playing. Instead, we are practising orchestral works.

This Wednesday, I was informed by the President of our symphony orchestra that our orchestra would most likely be playing the third and fourth movements of Mahler's First Symphony. There is a double bass solo part in the third movement of the symphony. Our dear tutor gave us a good overview to the double bass solo part this Wednesday during our double bass sectional, and I very much like his demonstrations of the various ways that various conductors would like that double bass solo part to be interpreted.

Coincidentally, one of Jason Heath's posts pointed me to an online article put up by National Symphony Orchestra's Principal Bassist Robert Oppelt. The article covers Robert Oppelt's approach to the double bass solo from the third movement of Mahler's Symphony No. 1 in D Major. Robert Oppelt also provides some historical context for the work.

I find Robert Oppelt's article an insightful read, do check it out here:
My Approach to the Bass Solo in Mahler's First Symphony (Robert Oppelt, June 10, 2007): http://www.robertoppelt.com/page6.html

Please also visit the following URL to catch a short clip of Claudio Abbado rehearsing the third movement of Mahler's First Symphony so as to listen to the principal double bassist play that very double bass solo part: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lI7icWPfoc

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About the photo in this post:
Taken during NUS Symphony Orchestra's concert held on 16 Mar 2007.
Photo credits: Jay

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By the way, Emily has performed the double bass solo from the third movement of Mahler's First Symphony. You can read her accounts by clicking on this link.

Updated: 17 Jun 2007

Performed on 31 May 2007: Bach's Air

2007-06-13T23:10:00.000+08:00

Esplanade Presents At The Concourse: Basso Bravo!
J.S. Bach's Air (for Double Bass duet) (arranged by Buell Neidlinger). Performed by Emily and PY from d'Bassists on 31 May 2007 at Esplanade Concourse, Singapore.

(URL of video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boLqoK5Er_0)

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You may also read about our rehearsals of Bach's Air here:
- Rehearsing Bach's Air
- An evening of duets and trios

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About J.S. Bach:

J.S. Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany, in 1685 and died in 1750 (he was 65 when he died). He came from a long family history of professional muscicians including church organists and composers (view source here)

Also visit:
http://www.jsbach.org

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About Buell Neidlinger:

Born in New York City in 1936, cellist/bassist Buell Neidlinger has been at or near the center of the American music scene since the early fifties. As a child he studied with Luigi Silva and Gregor Piatigorsky, and was well on the way to a career as a cello soloist when he developed an interest in jazz bass...

For more about Buell Neidlinger, please visit: http://www.k2b2.com/neidlinger.html

Also see:
Ludwin Music

The composer-in-residence

2007-06-12T00:11:00.000+08:00

A composer by training, Emily has been secretly regarded by yours truly as d'Bassists' composer-in-residence. At least among all the members of d'Bassists, Emily has the greatest potential to write decent music compositions. In fact, she has been writing quite a number of interesting compositions that have been performed.

To find out more about Emily's compositions, please visit the following sites:
http://www.emilykoh.blogspot.com
http://komponist.blogspot.com/2006/03/videos.html
http://www.komponist.blogspot.com
http://komponist.blogspot.com/2006/10/emily-koh-composer.html

Do check out the second link to listen to some of her compositions being performed.

Performed on 31 May 2007: Neopolitanian Dance

2007-06-09T10:40:00.000+08:00

P.I. Tchaikovsky's Neopolitanian Dance (from Swan Lake) (arranged by G. Mouzyka). Performed by d'Bassists on 31 May 2007 at Esplanade Concourse. Title of performance: Esplanade Presents: At the Concourse: Basso Bravo!

Swan Lake is a ballet scored by Tchaikovsky. It is based on German folktales. The storyline goes like this: Odette, who has been changed into a swan by Rothbath, draws the attention of Prince Siegfried. Prince Siegfried is subsequently seduced by Rothbath’s daughter, Odile, as a black swan.

Swan Lake was the first time Tchaikovsky was to complete a composition for the ballet. To familiarize himself with the demands of the art form he studied the ballet music of the period.

Neopolitanian Dance is originally written for a trumpet solo.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_Lake
http://www.balletmet.org/Notes/SwanHist.html
http://classicalmusic.about.com/od/historyofballet/a/swanlakeproa.htm

Before the show

2007-06-06T23:10:00.000+08:00

It takes time to prepare oneself for a performance. Other than practising and more practising, it is also helpful to prepare oneself mentally for the performance. Food is a necessary fuel. As such, d'Bassists met up at Ichiban Boshi located within Esplanade Mall for dinner before the performance, At the Concourse: Basso Bravo!

Sound check started from 6.30 p.m., and thereafter, d'Bassists tried to get whatever little time to rest, gain focus, and get acquainted with the inviting performing space at the Esplanade Concourse.

In the above slide, you will see Superstring - a series of single continuous line drawings by Joshua Yang in collaboration with students of NUS High School of Math and Science. "The concept behind the mode of drawing in a single continuous line ties in with the Superstring Theory which postulates that all matter in the universe is made up of and connected by tiny symmetrical vibrations called strings." (see source)

Emily and her composer-friends, from Les Six du Singapour, will be collaborating with Joshua Yang, to present interesting performances at the Esplanade Concourse. Details are as follow, do check these out (view source):

All Strung Up
Les Six du Singapour in collaboration with Joshua Yang
as part of the Singapore Arts Festival 2007
25 June 2007 // 7.30pm + 8.45pm
Esplanade Concourse

All Strung Out
Les Six du Singapour in collaboration with Joshua Yang
as part of the Singapore Arts Festival 2007
28 June 2007 // 7.30pm + 8.45pm
Esplanade Concourse