I had the luck and the honour to take part to the first Viennese double bass Symposium, which took place at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam on June 28 and 29. A remarkable event, interesting not only for the double bass players.
The two days began with an exposition of period instruments and bows, to which more than a musician contributed; the participants could confront their gear with each other’s, and discuss about which solutions one may adopt to reach authentic sonorities. Right after this, the lecture recitals by, respectively, Robert Franenberg (centered on the history of the viennese bass and its use in divertimenti and chamber music in general) and Christian Staude (focused on the solo repertoire).
Many more interesting activities in the aftermoon, after the lunch break: concerts, during which one could listen to pearls of the Viennese repertoire, and interesting discussions.
The “Meet the makers” was particularly remarkable: instrument makers Jurgen Preyer and Christiane Mitschke show the building and aesthetic differences between the viennes double bass and the other luthiery schools, and what makes the former particular.
Following, as gran finale to an already intense and interesting day, the students of the Conservatorium taught the rudiments of the Viennese bass to the participants interestd in learning such a fantastic instrument.
Two extremely insightful and instructive days, both for whom was already accustomed with the instrument, who could therefore learn new facts and confront himself with other relevant musicians, and for who wished to meet the instrument just lately.
More photos coming!
