double bass virtuoso Leon Bosch
Leon Bosch is a remarkable figure in the world of the double bass. From his early years growing up in South Africa to his long tenure with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and his proliferation of solo projects, Leon has approached each challenge with a focus and determination that are incredibly inspiring. This is a “must listen” episode for any musician eager to realize their greatest potential.
After retiring from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields to devote himself fully to solo, chamber, and conducting projects, Leon has been working to bring undiscovered treasures of the repertoire to light and to encourage new works for the double bass from composers. New composition are being written for Leon from South African composer Péter Louis van Dijk, British composer Paul Patterson, and American jazz icon Wynton Marsalis.
This episode is sponsored by Discover Double Bass, and they have a course on bowing technique with Lauren Pierce that I highly recommend checking out. This course is divided into 37 HD lessons, and Lauren gives a short video overview of the three categories that these videos cover: the basics, bow control, and real world techniques. There’s also a free preview lesson on phrasing with the bow—check it out!
We feature excerpts from Leon’s latest album throughout the episode. Check out Leon’s excellent albums (available both as digital downloads and CDs):
- Music of Rankl Sprongl & Hindemith (latest album)
- British Double Bass
- Russian Double Bass
- Catalan Virtuoso
- Virtuoso Double Bass Vol. 1 – Giovanni Bottesini
- Virtuoso Double Bass Vol. 2 – Giovanni Bottesini
- Pedro Valls – Music for Double Bass & Piano