Introduction

Over the next few weeks we are going to take a 360 degree look at the essential elements of orchestral double bass playing.

I was lucky enough to play in youth orchestras from age 11, but it was not until I started my first professional job (Scottish Opera 1987) that I began to really understood what the job entailed.

These were some of the challenges that came up early on, for which I had to develop strategies very quickly:
How to start notes easily, punctually and with different articulations in a range of dynamics.
How to make sure I was playing in tune even when I could not hear myself in the huge orchestral texture.
When and how to cut through the texture and even compete with the brass and percussion.

How to play loudly for extended passages ( tremolo, rapid repeats etc ) without becoming fatigued or even injured.
Discover how to blend with a section and other sections.

What to play with in the musical context. What to listen out for and how to develop good radar.
How to cope and what to do when the conductor asks to hear the double basses section on their own. You only have to listen to recordings of Arturo Toscanini screaming at his bass section to know what heat can be like!
How to play fast passages. We all want to run before we can walk but what helps us play quick passages accurately, efficiently and with ease.

How to count bars rest accurately and keep your focus even when there are distractions.
And probably most confusing of all: how to interpret the conductor’s beat and where to play in relation to it and the other sections.

If you would like to ask questions or take part in this forum please email me via my website.
https://tonyalcock.co.uk/