1119: Orchestral Insights with Andy Anderson

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Anderson, the newly appointed Clinical Assistant Professor of Double Bass at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With over two decades of experience performing with some of Chicago’s most prestigious ensembles, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his teaching role. Enjoy, and check out Andy’s… Continue reading 1119: Orchestral Insights with Andy Anderson

CBC 63: Chatting About Opera and Orchestra Bass Playing with John Grillo

Contrabass Conversations regular contributor and classicalmusicnews.tv blogger John Grillo and I recorded a follow-up episode to our recent Opera Excerpt Breakdown episode. In this episode we chat a little more generally about opera bass playing and how it differs from orchestral bass playing. John has played for numerous opera companies in the past, including the… Continue reading CBC 63: Chatting About Opera and Orchestra Bass Playing with John Grillo

CBC 62: Opera Excerpt Breakdown with John Grillo

This week’s Contrabass Conversations episode features an in-depth analysis of the double bass opera excerpts most commonly requested at auditions. Double bassist (and regular Contrabass Conversations guest and co-host) John Grillo discusses each of these excerpts–stylistic considerations, differences in articulation and bow strokes, and suggestions for effectively learning them–and then performs them. We believe that… Continue reading CBC 62: Opera Excerpt Breakdown with John Grillo

CBC 41: Orchestral Excerpts Breakdown with John Grillo

This week’s Contrabass Conversations episode features an in-depth analysis of the double bass orchestral excerpts most commonly requested at auditions. Double bassist (and regular Contrabass Conversations guest and co-host) John Grillo discusses each of these excerpts–stylistic considerations, differences in articulation and bow strokes, and suggestions for effectively learning them–and then performs them. I believe that… Continue reading CBC 41: Orchestral Excerpts Breakdown with John Grillo