Joukela Tango for double bass trio

Arranged for three double basses by Ben Faes, Joukela Tango is based on an incidental music, Tango-Habanera, composed by Kurt Julian Weill (1900 - 1950) in 1934 for the play Marie Galante. The play was written by novelist and playwright, Jacques Deval. Despite the immediate popularity of some of its songs, the play itself was poorly received.

Subsequently, Tango-Habanera was set to the lyrics by Roger Fernay and the resultant song was issued by Heugel, Weill’s publisher in Paris, as Youkali in 1946.

Update, Feb 2014: BASSically has contacted and consulted Ben Faes. Please be informed that the title of the arrangement was intended to be Youkali Tango.

***
Youkali
Tango Habanera
Text: Roger Fernay
Music: Kurt Weill

C'est presqu'au bout du monde,
Ma barque vagabonde, 
Errant augré du l'onde,
M'y conduisit un jour.

L'ile est toute petite,
Mais la feé qui l'habite
Gentiment nous invite
A en faire le tour.

Youkali,
C'est le pays de nos désirs,
Youkali,
C'est le bonheur,
C'est le plaisir.

Youkali,
C'est la terre où l'on
Quitte tous les soucis,
C'est dans notre nuit,
Comme une éclaircie,
L'étoile qu'on suit,
C'est Youkali!

Youkali, 
C'est le respect
De tous les Voeux échangés,
Youkali,C'est le pays
Des beaux amours partagés,
C'est l'espérance
Qui est au coeur de tous les humains,
La délivrance
Que nous attendons tous pour demain,

Youkali,
C'est le pays de nos désirs,
Youkali,
C'est le bonheur
C'est le plaisir
Mais c'est un rêve, une folie,
Il n'y a pas de Youkali!

[Et la vie nous entrâine,
Lassante, quotidiene,
Mais la pauvre âme humaine,
Cherchant partout l'oubli,]

A pour quitter la terre,
Su trouver le mystère
Où no rêves se terrent
En quelque Youkali.

Youkali,
C'est le pays de nos désirs,
Youkali,C'est le bonheur,
C'est le plaisir,

Youkali,
C'est la terre où l'on
Quitte tous les soucis,
C'est dans notre nuit,
Comme une éclaircie,
L'étoile qu'on suit,
C'est Youkali!

My Symphonic Hall's transport solution for the double bass players

A double bass flight case fits nicely in one of My Symphonic Hall's vehicles.
Photo courtesy of My Symphonic Hall.

Photo courtesy of My Symphonic Hall.

Dear double bass players in Singapore, I have recently found a reliable and fairly affordable solution to transport double basses. 

My Symphonic Hall has various solutions available for musicians who need help to move and transport musical instruments. Recently, I have used the transport services from My Symphonic Hall on various occasions and it has been reliable thus far. 

My Symphonic Hall's official car.
Photo courtesy of My Symphonic Hall.

My Symphonic Hall has a vehicle (a Honda Crossroad) which is big enough to fit a double bass flight case and a double bass player in the front passenger's seat! This vehicle is also good for transporting at least two double basses.

I used to have to transport a double bass flight case using a 8-seaters Maxi-cab. The transport solutions offered by My Symphonic Hall is comparatively more affordable than if I were to use a Maxi-cab. More importantly, the people at My Symphonic Hall takes pride in handling our musical instruments with care because they love music and the arts.

Admittedly, if I need to transport only one double bass, it would usually be cheaper to hire a regular taxi. The only thing is if I were to use a regular taxi, I have to take some time to manoeuvre my double bass to fit it into a regular taxi.

I learnt from My Symphonic Hall's website and Facebook Page that My Symphonic Hall also provides transport solutions to move music instruments such as bass drums, timpani, harps and more. 

A harp fits in perfectly!
Photo courtesy of My Symphonic Hall.

Like every other transport services (e.g. taxi), it helps that you could remember the following suggestions as well when you are using My Symphonic Hall's transport services:

1) Please call and make enquiries/ reservations as early as possible.

2) State your starting point and destination clearly.

3) Be punctual to meet at the agreed starting point once your reservation is confirmed.

My Symphonic Hall also offers a 14-footer vehicle as one of the transport solutions.
Photo courtesy of My Symphonic Hall.

My Symphonic Hall

http://www.mysymphonichall.com

Double Bass Portraits - A Musical Exhibition

Image source: Amazon.com

Have you been searching for a recording to listen to? Here's recommending Jeff Bradetich's Double Bass Portraits: A Musical Exhibition.

Jeff Bradetich gave a masterclass and recital at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music on 16 and 17 Aug 2013 respectively. After having listened to him during the recital, I dare say that he is one of the performers of the double bass to listen out for. He is proclaimed by The New York Times as "the master of his instrument". He is regarding as one of the leading performers and teachers of the double bass in the United States today.

Double Bass Portraits: A Musical Exhibition is a recording that "paints a broad spectrum of tonal and emotional expressiveness on the double bass. Jeff Bradetich is possibly the first double bassist who introduced me to the soulful music of Bloch, and I was blown away to listen to more of Bloch's compositions. Listen to what is possible on the double bass. If you are familiar with Monti's well-known work, Czardas, for the violin, you will delighted to listen to a transcription of it being played by Jeff Bradetich on the double bass. I was simply awed by the virtuosity of the double bass.


In this album, you will be pleased to listen to the following works performed by Jeff Bradetich and accompanied by Judi Rockey Bradetich on the piano:

• Luigi Boccherini - Sonata in A major, Adagio (arranged for double bass and piano)
• Luigi Boccherini - Sonata in A major, Allegro (arranged for double bass and piano)
• Erest Bloch - Meditation hebraique (arranged for double bass and piano)
• Robert Schumann - Fantasiestucke, Op. 73 - Rasch und mit Feuer (arranged for double bass and piano)
• Bela Bartok - Romanian Folk Dances, Sz.56 (arranged for double bass and piano)
• Johannes Brahms - Sonatensatz, Op. posth
• Joseph Hadyn - Divertimento (arranged for double bass and piano)
• Gabriel Faure - Elegie (arranged for double bass and piano)
• Vittorio Monti - Czardas (arranged for double bass and piano)

To order your copy of Jeff Bradetich's Double Bass Portraits - A Musical Exhibition, please visit any of the following links (non-exhaustive):

• Amazon.com
• Lemur Music
• ClassicsOnline
• Naxos Music Library
• eBay

Jeff Bradetich's Double Bass: The Ultimate Challenge

Source: Amazon.com

Double Bass: The Ultimate Challenge by Jeff Bradetich is a treatise and a resource to help its reader find answers to necessary questions that will allow for the greatest possible achievements on the double bass.

The twelve chapters of the book discuss the following issues:
1. Physical Characteristics necessary for success in playing the double bass
2. Standing vs Sitting
3. The Right Hand
4. The Left Hand
5. Fingering Concepts
6. Shifting
7. Intonation
8. Bow Strokes
9. Harmonics
10. Vibrato
11. Pizzicato
12. Practicing

The book also contains a special pull out section of Technical Exercises. I have worked on the first nine pages of the Technical Exercises and have found the exercises to be very relevant in improving the common technical issues faced by double bassists.

If you are still undecided whether to get yourself a copy of this book, Orin O'Brien's review of Double Bass: The Ultimate Challenge would possibly impress you enough to decisively do so. Here is her endorsement of this book:

"This is one of the most important books of the last fifty year. It should be in every university and conservatory library, every teacher of the double bass should read it, and double bassists of every level will find confirmation of their strengths and lots of answers for the questions."

If you would need to be further convinced , Thierry Barbe's endorsement of this book is equally positive:

"Students from all over the world and from every level, please, trust him! Take everything as your real basis for a well-founded technique! I personally, and totally, agree with the content."

I have bought myself a copy of this book recently and have started reading the first few chapters. The concepts are written in a clear fashion. The photographs and the musical examples that are found in the book aptly illustrate the concepts. I am very pleased with myself for getting a copy of Jeff Bradetich's Double Bass: The Ultimate Challenge. I have found the keys to successful practice that was discussed in this book to be succinct and useful. My words of gratitude to Jeff Bradetich for writing the book.

Jeff Bradetich's Double Bass: The Ultimate Challenge is available from the following sources (non-exhaustive):

• Lemur Music
• Amazon.com
• David Gage String Instruments

***
Also see:
Jeff Bradetich's The Ultimate Challenge, by Ovation Press String Vision, 2 Jul 2011
Jeff Bradetich's new book (video) by Jason Heath, 25 Jun 2009
Jeff Bradetich

Bass on the Broadband

Image credit: Bass On The Broadband.

Are you aware that there is a radio station devoted to the art of the acoustic and electric bass?

I became aware of the world's first radio station devoted to the art of the acoustic and electric bass through Jeff Bradetich after his double bass masterclass at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore, on 16 Aug 2013.

Here is more about Bass On the Broadband:

It is a 24/7 internet radio devoted to the art of the acoustic and electric bass. A brain-child of Brian Bromberg, Grammy award-winning electric bassist, this internet radio station broadcasts music that showcases the bass and the bass player. It provides an outlet for bassists throughout the world to have their music and playing heard by an audience that appreciates the bass.

For the fans of classical bass, you will be pleased to learn that in Nov 2012, the Bradetich Foundation joined forces with Bass On the Broadband to produce weekly internet radio broadcasts featuring the classical bass. The Bradetich Foundation Classical Bass Showcase that will feature the classical bass in its programming will be aired via Bass On the Broadband on Sundays from 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. Pacific Time (i.e. Sundays 9 p.m. - 12 midnight during daylight saving time/ 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. in Singapore during Standard Time.)

Details of the podcasts and playlists that has been aired on Bass On the Broadband under the weekly feature, The Bradetich Foundation Classical Bass Showcase, is available on http://www.bradetichfoundation.org

Please listen the Bass On the Broadband, and pass the word around.

Double Bass Viennese Tuning

While I was in Vienna for a music festival this July, I became more aware of the use of Viennese Tuning (A1,D,F#,A). This tuning system for the double bass was used during the Classical Period predominantly in the Austro-German lands.

Igor Pecevski's Viennese Tuning resource:
Thanks to Igor Pecevski, there is a good online resource to learn more on Viennese Tuning for the double bass. According to the materials listed under the section "The history of the Viennase tuning", "it is believed that this tuning system originated in the Baroque period at the time when the period bassists have started emulating the Baroque lute and viol tunings."

The Viennese Tuning is ideal for playing works in the key of D major and the closely related tonalities (e.g. B minor, A major and F# minor). However, it can be difficult to play works in other keys (e.g. Eb major) using the Viennese Tuning. Perhaps this was the reason why Viennese Tuning did not achieve universal acceptance eventually?

For more information on Viennese Tuning, please refer to this useful resource by Igor Pecevski: http://viennesetuning.com 

This resource contains introduction on this subject, and it also offers useful introductory materials on the fingering basics of the Viennese Bass Method. The page also offers encouragements for anyone who would have the courage to learn the Viennese tuning. Furthermore, the webpage offers a series of information on teachers and institutions that offer instruction related to Viennese Tuning.

***
Rinat Ibragimov's discussion on Viennese Tuning:

For the visual learners, there is a YouTube video of Rinat Ibragimov on Viennese Tuning. In this video, Rinat Ibragimov discussed the practice of Viennese Tuning on the double bass. He has made particular reference to the concertos of Vanhal and Ditters von Dittersdorf. The video can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGd2hgfhUrA

***

Where to rent a double bass in Singapore?

Here is a piece of information for anyone who would like to rent a double bass in Singapore.

Bass Loft, created in 2005 to cater to the growing demands of double bass players in Singapore and Asia, provides rental services for double basses and cellos in its inventory. Its basses has gone out to bass artistes for John Pizarelli, Diannes Reeves, Kurt Elling, Chris Botti, Count Basie Orchestra, etc and many more.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.bassloft.com/rentals.html

Amadeus International School of Music, International Music Master Classes

Source: http://www.amadeus-vienna.com

Aimed at children and young adults, the International Music Master Classes organized by the Amadeus International School of Music provides the participants the opportunity to learn from revered musicians and internationally respected teachers. It also provides the participants with an intensive training environment in a pleasant, family-like atmosphere.

This year, three AMADEUS VIENNA Master classes will take place on the following dates:
- 4th to 16th April 2012
- 1st to 12th June 2012
- 27 July to 8 Aug 2012

Double bass students can be delighted to know that double bass master classes are offered in this programme. My double bass tutor told me that he has been contacted to take the class held from 1 - 12 June 2012. If I can get a sponsorship to this programme, I will gladly make time to participate.

To register or to find out more about the programme, there is a Singapore Representative Office at:
25 International Business Park
# 02-10 German Centre
Singapore 609916
Tel: +65 6562 8198
E-mail: Grace.lim@them.es

Directors: Dr. Kurt Berlin and Mag. Jürgen Kremb
Secretary: Mrs. Corinna Turner (corinna.turner@amadeus-vienna.at)

For more information, please visit http://www.amadeus-vienna.com

Where to get good Bow Rehair Services and Handmade Bows?

A week ago, I realized that my double bass bow is in need of a bow rehair. I contacted one of my favourite Luthiers, and learnt that he is currently based overseas. Subsequently, he referred me to contact Bowmaker, Mr Paul S.J. Goh.

Source: http://www.singaporeviolinbow.com/

I contacted Mr Paul Goh, and subsequently sent my double bass bow to him for rehair. I am very pleased with the bow rehair. The charge for the service was reasonable too.

Mr Paul Goh is Singapore's first and only bow-maker! Through a brief conversation with Paul and a visit to his website, I learnt that he provides expert repairs, restoration and re-hairs of bows for stringed instruments. Coincidentally, I know of a friend who had just requested Paul to make a violin bow for him!

This is one resource for players of stringed instruments in Singapore to know of. For more information, please visit: http://singaporeviolinbow.blogspot.sg

The joy of appreciating classical music

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

NAFA Department of Music

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/

Adam Ben Enza

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

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.

If you are interested in Yeesoong's services, he can be contacted at:

tang[dot]yeesoong[at]gmail[dot]com
tangys[at]red-bean[dot]com

(Photos courtesy of Tang Yeesoong.)

Updates, Mar 2015: Yeesoong is currently not based in Singapore.

In search of the perfect bow by Jason Heath

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.

Rhythm Practice by Donovan Stokes

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."

Where to buy a double bass in Singapore? Part 2

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

Andres Martin's

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)

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)

String Emporium

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.

Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante

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.