Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1059: Exploring the Rich Soundscape of Gut Strings with Ernst Glerum

Today’s episode dives into the multifaceted career of bassist and pianist Ernst Glerum, focusing on his recent piano-bass album Détaché.

We delve into Ernst’s use of gut strings on his mid-19th-century English bass and his shift to a mix including Pirastro Olive strings. Ernst shares his compositional process, the technical challenges and expressive nuances of playing with gut strings versus steel strings, particularly the influence of rosin type on sound quality.

Ernst speaks fondly about his admiration for iconic musicians and his future plans for composing new music, encapsulating the essence of his artistic explorations.

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Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations.  Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1058: Into the Light with Sasha Witteveen

photo credit: Marco Borggreve

This episode features a conversation with Sasha Witteveen, who recently released her debut album titled ‘…Into the Light.’ We dig into the creative process behind the album, upcoming concerts, including her upcoming Concertgebouw recital featuring the ‘Alice in Wonderland Suite’ and Bottesini pieces with a mix of visual elements like stage lights and props. We also talk about the challenges and experiences of transitioning from French to German bow technique, her time studying in Düsseldorf, and reflections on various compositions including works by Xavier Foley and Dave Anderson.

Enjoy, and follow along with Sasha and her career through the following links:

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations.  Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1057: From Naples to Berlin with Giuseppe Bottiglieri

Giuseppe Bottiglieri‘s musical journey spans from his early years in Naples, Italy, where he transitioned from guitar to double bass, to his career development playing on cruise ships and exploring jazz and contemporary music. Currently based in Berlin, Bottiglieri focuses on solo bass performances and experiments with electronics, drawing inspiration from various sources, including visual arts.

The supportive arts scene in Berlin has significantly influenced his work, leading him to reflect on the importance of live music. Throughout his evolution as a musician, Giuseppe has embraced diverse experiences and influences, shaping his unique artistic voice in the vibrant cultural landscape of his adopted city.

Giuseppe also shares insights on his upcoming projects and future aspirations, providing a comprehensive view of his evolving musical career. Enjoy, and follow along with him on Instagram.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Upton Bass Rosin, developed by Gary Upton, boasts an excellent feel, response, and tone for double bass bows. Gary believes it’s the best bass rosin available. It’s appreciated by users like Blake Hinson from the New York Philharmonic for its quality and performance.  Learn more about Upton’s rosin, basses, and more at uptonbass.com.

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1055: Audition prep with Brendan Fitzgerald

Join Brendan Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal Double Bass for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, as he shares his comprehensive approach to preparing for and succeeding in orchestra auditions. From practicing at half tempo and balancing practice with a full-time job, to managing nerves with beta blockers, Brendan covers all aspects of his preparation process. Learn how to handle the audition day, manage your workload, and ensure your best performance under pressure. Don’t miss his key takeaways for musicians looking to secure a professional orchestra position.

Check out Brendan’s past podcast appearance here as well as his appearance on Ryan Beach’s podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsors!

Upton Bass Rosin, developed by Gary Upton, boasts an excellent feel, response, and tone for double bass bows. Gary believes it’s the best bass rosin available. It’s appreciated by users like Blake Hinson from the New York Philharmonic for its quality and performance.  Learn more about Upton’s rosin, basses, and more at uptonbass.com.

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1054: Exploring the Rhythms of Tango with Pascale Delache Feldman, Emmanuel Feldman, and Victor Cayres

In this episode, Pascale Delache Feldman, Emmanuel Feldman, and Victor Cayres discuss their newly released tango album, ‘Let’s Tango.’ The conversation dives into the intricacies of tango music, its cultural roots, and the creative process behind their collaboration.

With stories about their musical journeys, unique tango techniques, and the joy of performing live, this episode offers a rich look into the world of tango. Listeners are provided with insights on musical improvisation, the influence of dance on their performances, and the joy of artistic experimentation. The episode is a celebration of the trio’s synergy and the vibrant musical landscape of tango.

Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsors!

Upton Bass Rosin, developed by Gary Upton, boasts an excellent feel, response, and tone for double bass bows. Gary believes it’s the best bass rosin available. It’s appreciated by users like Blake Hinson from the New York Philharmonic for its quality and performance.  Learn more about Upton’s rosin, basses, and more at uptonbass.com.

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.