164: The Karr-Koussevitzky Double Bass

Karr - Koussevitzky 1400 x 1400This week’s episode contains a recital I did about ten years ago on the Karr-Koussevitzky double bass.  I was thrilled to have this opportunity and thought a lot about what sort of repertoire would be best suited for a recital like this.

I eventually settled on a traditional program that I thought tapped into some aspect of either Gary Karr or Koussevitzky.  Lyric Opera of Chicago bassist Greg Sarchet was kind enough to set this event up for me at Northeastern Illinois University in their gorgeous recital hall.

You’ll hear the following pieces on this recital:

  • Eccles Sonata (complete)
  • Koussevitzky Valse Miniature
  • Gliere Intermezzo
  • Hindemith Sonata
  • Massenet Meditation from “Thais”

It’s a live recital and has its share of mistakes for sure, but it’s kind of cool to get a chance to hear that bass, and it was certainly a great opportunity for me to play on a piece of history.  Enjoy–more interviews coming next week!

Amati recital program NEIU (PDF)

By Jason

An active double bass performer and teacher, Jason teaches double bass at DePaul University and served on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Bassists for many years. Jason is the current President of the Illinois chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Jason has been a member of the Elgin Symphony since 2000 and has played with the Midsummer’s Music Festival in Door County for the past decade. He is a past member of the Milwaukee Ballet and IRIS Orchestra, and has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Symphony, and numerous other professional ensembles.