International Guests

270: Alexandre Ritter on method books, new works, and Brazilian double bass

Alexandre Ritter

Alexandre Ritter has become a champion of Armando Trovajoli’s work Sconcerto.

Once you hear this amazing piece, you’ll understand why.

Written for Franco Petracchi, this work has been largely unplayed until Alex got his hands on it.

The process was complex, but Alex worked it out to record the entire piece and publish it on YouTube. This piece is destined to become one of the major concert works for orchestra. It’s jazzy, colorful, mysterious, and magical.

But that’s not all Alex is doing these days.

We dig deep into Bille, how Alex uses it in his teaching, and we get into the debate of using the 3rd finger in the lower positions like what’s printed in Bille—Alex makes a compelling case for it.

While we were talking, he actually grabbed the bass and played through several examples for me!

Alex and I also talk about the experience of leaving Brazil to study in Georgia, how philosophy has influenced his thinking, job prospects in Brazil, and much more!

Learn more about my coverage of music teaching at contrabassconversations.com/teaching.

Links to check out:

Alex’s website
TROVAJOLI – I TEMPO DI BLUES – ALEXANDRE RITTER 2016 (YouTube)
TROVAJOLI – II ALLEGRETTO – ALEXANDRE RITTER 2016 (YouTube)
TROVAJOLI – III PAVANE – ALEXANDRE RITTER 2016 (YouTube)
TROVAJOLI – IV SCHERZO – ALEXANDRE RITTER 2016 (YouTube)
Joel Quarrington’s Method Book (here’s a link to my Joel Quarrington interview)
Alex’s dissertation about the Rota Divertimento (in the ISB’s Online Journal of Bass Research)

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Thanks to our sponsor!

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265: Szymon Marciniak on DVDs, travel, and freelance life

Szymon Marciniak double bass

Szymon Marciniak played a killer recital in Prague for BASS2016.

The centerpiece of this recital was Frank Proto‘s compelling new Sonata No. 3.

Frank wrote this piece expressly for Szymon, and it is–to say the least–epic in scope.

Here’s a great photo from that standing-room-only event. Isn’t that a cool pose? We talk about that in the interview!

Along with pianist Evan Mitchell, Szymon recorded a CD and DVD called New Music for Double Bass for Liben Music.

This new release includes Proto’s Sonata No. 3 along with the 2009 Sonata by Richard Dubugnon, Lu Shang’s Fantasy Higgs Boson, and Chiel Meijering’s The Ultimate Workout (Part 1).

We talk about:

this feature-packed new release (check it out!)
Szymon’s decision to leave his principal bass position with The Hague Philharmonic Orchestra and embark on a freelance career
strings, endpins, balance, sound, and much more!

Check out this YouTube video with the complete first movement of the Proto Sonata No. 3. This will give you a feel for the incredibly musicianship and high production quality on this CD/DVD release:

Links to Check Out:

Szymon’s YouTube channel
Szymon plays Proto Sonata No. 3 mvt 1 (complete movement from DVD)
Omega – Hungarian rock band we talk about
New Music for Double Bass (CD/DVD)

Thanks to our sponsor!

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264: David Heyes on leaving a legacy

David Heyes double bass

David Heyes needs no introduction.

Since founding Recital Music over 20 years ago, David has brought the music of composers like Tony Osborne, Teppo Hauta-aho, and Simón García to countless bass players.

David has also commissioned over 500 double bass compositions. Talk about an impact on the bass world!

In recent years, David has become a prolific composer.

In only three years, his compositions have been performed in eight different countries. He is constantly thinking of new ideas for pieces. In fact, he’s even writing a piece for me!

It was such a pleasure to meet David in person in Prague for BASS2016. Here’s a favorite photo of us meeting in the airport–talk about a warm welcome to the Czech Republic!

David is also a prolific writer. In addition to writing for publications like The Strad, David has created A History of the Double Bass in 100 Pieces and BASS NOTES. He is constantly finding new ways to synthesize double bass knowledge and provide value to the community.

By the way, his recital in Prague was awesome. Here’s a bit of it on YouTube. Check it out, and enjoy this interview with Davide Heyes!

Links to check out:

Listener Feedback Link:

Crafting a Music Career

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258: RCM International Double Bass Festival

The first Royal College of Music International Double Bass Festival will be taking place on October 16, 2016. Gabriele Ragghianti, Dan Styffe, and Alberto Bocini discuss this exciting new event on today’s episode.

This event is free and requires no tickets, so be sure to check it out if you can!

About the 2016 RCM International Double Bass Festival

Free, no tickets required

RCM International Double Bass Festival: Double Bass Masterclass with Dan Styffe

2:00pm | 14 October 2016
Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall

Co-Principal Bassist at The Oslo Philharmonic Dan Styffe shares his experience with talented string players at the Royal College of Music.

RCM International Double Bass Festival

11:00am | 16 October 2016
Royal College of Music

Our double bass festival sees renowned bassists from around the world flock to the Royal College of Music for a unique day of masterclasses, seminars, coaching sessions and performances.