Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

724: Jonathan Haskell reflects on new directions

I had a wonderful conversation with Jonathan Haskell a few years ago, and a lot has changed in his life since then.

He recently retired from L’Orchestre De La Suisse Romande in Switzerland, and he has been diving deep into the world of contemporary music.  He also wrote a thoughtful article for the Chicago Tribune about the conflicting emotions surrounding retiring after 40 years on the job.

We talk about a wide range of topics, including diving into contemporary music, how he approaches learning a piece, the bass’ role in contemporary ensembles, how he has been handling the pandemic, and much more.

I hope you enjoy this wide-ranging conversations from one of the most interesting musicians I know!

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263: the intriguing Jonathan Haskell

Jonathan Haskell

Jonathan Haskell may very well be the world’s most interesting man.

He’s a bassist. In a great orchestra: L’Orchestre De La Suisse Romande in Switzerland.

Also, he’s the president of the musician’s union. An accomplished conductor. Fluent in multiple languages.

He is also the author of three murder mysteries centered around the orchestra.

Here’s a link to the first five chapters of On the beat, a murder mystery involving an orchestra, a sadistic, villainous, and diabolical conductor, an undercover cop in the percussion section, and a Pirastro Flexocor E string as a murder weapon!

Set in Chicago and downstate Illinois, this book vividly brings back memories of my “old life” Road Warrioring it around Chicagoland.

Interested in reading more? Send Jonathan an email and let him know!

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Resources we covered in this interview:

On the beat by Jonathan Haskell (PDF – 5 chapter preview)

L’Orchestre De La Suisse Romande (website)

L’Orchestre De La Suisse Romande (YouTube)

Jonathan Haskell on Discogs

The Compleat Conductor by Gunther Schuller

Twin Cities Bass Camp (from listener feedback)

Thanks to our sponsor!

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