Here is a video of highlights from my recent recital on Gary Karr’s former “Amati” bass:
This video has also been added to my podcast feed, so if you are subscribing it should be available to you the next time you check iTunes. You can also download the video by clicking here. (You can right-click this link and choose “save as..” to download it).
If you want to check out more of this, the entire recital (plus about 15 other works) is available through Jason Heath’s Double Bass Performances. You can subscribe below:
You can also listen to all of the tracks by clicking on the Pupu Player (great service–terrible name):
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Dear Jason,
you’ re way playing on maestro Karr’s double bass is amazing. But non because of instrument but for your sensibility and great abilities in producing a very focalized sound, with different dynamics.
Sometimes I’ve talked with maestro Karr but I we havent’t never talked about his main instrument: the one you (and not only you) called Amati.
Well, from my reaserches on the web and not only, it seems it’s not an Amati. But Koussevitzky, if I’m not wrong and if I well remember, bought it in French, but he knew it was a double bass of that period. In fact, it seems also from the analysis of wood that it’s impossible it was made in 1600. And when Koussevitzky decided to record the II time of his concert and other little peaces, he didn’t use the “Amati” doublebass but another one. Then, it’s sure that Koussevitzky gave as a gift another instrument to the young Karr, the one you have played, I think. But it’s very and very difficult to say it’s an Amati.
Probably the great Maestro Gary Karr was sure about this aspect of his instrument, because he ‘s The Genius, probably the most important double bass player of the XX century. What do you know about it, Jason?
But I ‘ would like to tell that if I should be right nothing would changed. Your performance on Karr’s instrument has been Great !!!
With my esteem
dr. Vito Liuzzi
Koussevitzky purchased the instrument from a French dealer in 1901 for $3,000, but that is the extent of its known pedigree, though it’s widely reported to have been made in 1611. The bass is currently undergoing a dendrochronology (tree-ring) analysis.
You Know, dear Jason, that french liuthers at the end of XIX century were very able to build copies of ancient instrument. Well, scientific studies (i.e.: the 3 rings) has demonstrated that it was impossible that the wood of maestro Karr double bass was from 1600, or better from 1300. So It was a copy from the french liuthes in 1800. In this case, it has been the great Maestro to have given popularity to a good double bass, but surely not an Amati.
I hope to listen to someone on this matter.
dr. Vito Liuzzi
23,552 Views of your Amati recital video: just incredible in less than 1 year.
Now people should also give a look at the other very interesting your videos … if they are interested on them, naturally. None is forced !!!
Vito Liuzzi (this the thought of an italian “journalist” with a bad English)
Thanks, Vito! This video has also been viewed around 12,000 times on Eyespot, another video service that I use. Lots of views for a few recital clips!