Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

CBC 46: Ira Gold interview 3

This week’s podcast concludes our interview with National Symphony Orchestra bassist Ira Gold. We began this interview on episode 15 of the podcast and continued it on episode 18, as well as featuring Ira performing the Vanhal Concerto with orchestra.

Ira discusses his double bass set-up and mental toughness aspects of the audition, practicing, and preparation process for the double bass during this segment of the interview and features a recording of Ira performing the Gigue from the first Bach cello suite.

You can direct any questions to Ira directly at irajgold@gmail.com.

Enjoy!

CBC 45: Colin Corner interview 2 and Rob Kassinger music

This week’s Contrabass Conversations episode features the conclusion of our chat with Minnesota Orchestra bassist Colin Corner. Colin joined the orchestra in 2006 after being a member of the Vancouver Symphony and Louisiana Philharmonic. In this episode we discuss the process of taking an audition for an ensemble like the Minnesota Orchestra–the various rounds, screen (or lack thereof), and repertoire. We also discuss improvisation, parallels between classical music and jazz, Colin’s sources of musical inspiration, and his instrumental activities outside of the orchestral sphere.

Check out episode 34 of the podcast for the first part of this interview.

We also feature a recording of “Trioticism” from Chicago Symphony bassist and Contrabass Conversations interview guest Rob Kassinger. Enjoy!

CBC 44: Rob Kassinger interview 2 and music from Djordje Stijepovic

This week’s Contrabass Conversations Episode features the second part of our interview with Chicago Symphony bassist Rob Kassinger. Last time we heard from Rob (on episode 25), we talked about his early years on the bass, growing up in Colorado, playing jazz and electric bass, studying the instrument, and studying with Homer Mensch in New York City.

This episode, we talk about Rob’s time in the New Orleans Symphony, Colorado Symphony, and then moving into the Chicago Symphony.

Rob talks about the materials he works on with students, like etudes and Simandl, plus what gear Rob uses and how his band NYCO developed.

We’ll also be hearing three tracks from Bay Area bassist Djordje Stijepovic. Enjoy!

CBC 43: Michael Hovnanian interview part 3 and music from Mark Sonksen

This week’s Contrabass Conversations episode features the conclusion of our interview with double bassist Michael Hovnanian. Click here to listen to Michael’s previous episodes (CBC 24 and 29). Michael has been a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1989, and he serves as the president of Discordia Music (double bass music publisher). Michael also plays for the Gunnelpumpers, Chicago Bass Ensemble, Music of the Baroque, and the Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra. He authors the popular CSO Bass Blog, and he has served on the faculty for Northwestern University and the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Michael was also my bass teacher for my undergraduate and graduate degrees at Northwestern, and it was really great to get a chance to do this interview. You will also get a chance to hear Michael play the Discordia Music edition of the Schubert Arpeggione Sonata on this episode.After our interview with Michael, we’ll be featuring two tunes from Chicago-area jazz bassist Mark Sonksen. Mark is the owner of Sonksen Strings, a double bass repair and retail shop located in Chicago. Enjoy!