Charles Mingus and toilet-training cats
Bass blog contributor Benjy emailed me recently with a link to this short article from jazz bass giant Charles Mingus on how to toilet train (not litter box train–toilet train!) your cat. This is a must-read even if you don’t have a cat. I love how the Mingus personality comes through even in this short how-to!
CBC 123: Klauss Stoll interview
This week, we’re featuring an interview with Klauss Stoll, the recently retired Principal Bass of the Berlin Philharmonic. He has taught for many years in Berlin, Salzburg, and in master classes worldwide, and is regarded as one of the finest teachers of the double bass alive today.
This interview was conducted by Jonathan Stefaniak, a former member of the Civic Orchestra who is now playing in an orchestra in Japan. Jonathan was recently working with Professor Stoll in a master class setting and had the opportunity to sit down and chat with him for the podcast.
In this interview, Jonathan and Klaus discuss Klaus’ early years on the instrument, his time spent in the Berlin Philharmonic, auditioning for co-principal and eventually first principal chair, his chamber duo, orchestral style, developments in eduction and the decline of the despotic maestro, the unique characteristics of the Berlin Philharmonic, and specifics about his teaching.
Learn more about Klaus at his website: klausstoll.com
Klaus also has a DVD for sale.
About Klaus Stoll:
Klaus Stoll, born in May 1943 in Rheydt / Germany, first played the violin, but at the age of twelve started playing the double bass which he was taught by his father Karl Stoll . During studies with Heinz Detering in Cologne he became a member of the Niederrheinische Sinfoniker in 1959. Six years later he joined the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, became co – principal bassist in 1967 and finally, in 1992 he became first soloist of this world famous orchestra.
In addition to his frequent appearances as soloist he has a long and worldwide career as chamber musician. Stoll premiered more than sixty new works for double bass solo and appeared at many renowned festivals (in Salzburg, Lucerne, Aldeburgh, Helsinki, Echternach, Santander, Rheingau, Tokyo, etc.). Klaus Stoll works with the Berlin Philharmonic Ensemble ” Berliner Barocksolisten ” and periodically together with great musicians like Heinz Holliger, Maurice Bourgue, Emanuel Pahud, Andras Schiff, Bruno Canino, Rainer Kussmaul, Christiane Jaccotet, Thomas Zehetmair, and Nicolaus Harnoncourt.
He has taught at the “Hochschule der Kuenste” ( HdK / UdK ) in Berlin from 1980 to 2000, as professor at the Hochschule Mozarteum in Salzburg from 1991 to 1998 and since 1992 he exclusively teaches at the ” Academy of Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. He regulary held courses and masterclasses in Italy ( Milano , Ferrara , Fiesole ) , in Japan ( PMF) , for ten years between 1988 and 2004 at the Carl – Flesch – Academy in Baden – Baden , from 1991 to 1997 the summer academies in Salzburg and since 2003 he teaches at the Instrumenta in Puebla and Oaxaca / Mexico . Klaus Stoll is appointed professor h.c. of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music since 2005 and has taught in 18 countries of Europe , Asia and North and South America.
Since 2002 Klaus Stoll and his wife Ofelia hold courses and classes together in both main techniques, the French and the German Bow and in their languages German, English and Spanish for professional and junior bassists.
Cool new bass blog
Blog reader Bob Martin emailed me recently with some quite cool posts from Todd’s Bass Blog, a fairly new blog chronicling Todd’s journey to relearn the double bass. Todd is currently working as a bassist in metro Denver, where he plays with a variety of groups.
Some of the posts I’ve found interesting include:
- Rabbath End Pin – Todd’s got one, and it attracts a lot of comments
- Free Sheet Music – musicians love resources like this–visit them before they’re shut down!
- Refocusing – Todd recently signed up for an online jazz bass class
- Chinese Bows – Todd is wary of sketchy eBay bows, as am I!
Whenever I see a new bass blog, I can’t help but think about why so many bassists blog; this topic sparked a lively debate a couple of years ago here on doublebassblog.org. Thoughts?
Jeff Bradetich’s new book (video)
University of North Texas and Cleveland Institute of Music bass professor Jeff Bradetich (also a former Contrabass Conversations guest) has just released a book titled Double Bass: The Ultimate Challenge . This book represents the culmination of all the concepts and techniques Jeff has explored while working with countless students over the course of his illustrious teaching career.
As you can see from the following video this is also a beautiful book, with each detail given meticulous consideration. It’s nice to see a pedagogical text for the bass that doesn’t look like it was produced in 1885!
Here’s the press release for the book:
Music For All To Hear, Inc. announces the publishing of Jeff Bradetich’s eagerly awaited book on Double Bass Pedagogy and Performance. This highly anticipated text has been received by the Double Bass community with open arms and sold hundreds of copies, strictly by word of mouth, at the 2009 International Society of Bassists convention recently held at Penn State University.
Here is what a few well respected bassists have had to say:
“Students from all over the world and from every level, please, trust him! Take everything as your real basis for a well- founded technique! I personally, and totally, agree with the content.”
Thierry Barbe – Principal Double Bass Opera de Paris National Orchestra
“Jeff Bradetich is a world-class virtuoso performer and passionate teacher who has acquired enormous depth and
experience to author such a masterful text.”
Rufus Reid – The Evolving Bassist
“This is one of the most important books of the last fifty years. It should be in every university and conservatory library,
every teacher of the double bass should read it, and double bassists of every level will find confirmation of their strengths
and lots of answers for their questions.”
Orin O’Brien – New York Philharmonic
Double Bass: The Ultimate Challenge © 2009, Music For All To Hear, Inc. — ISBN-13: 978-0-615-29665-4 — is published by, and available immediately from, Music for All To Hear MSRP: $59.95.
For orders, visit the website http://www.musicforalltohear.com/cart, contact Aaron Bradetich at aaronb@musicforalltohear.com, or call 940-367-2360. Music For All To Hear, Inc. is the record label of choice for Jeff Bradetich and also specializes in the publishing of many artists’ CD’s, DVD’s, sheet music, and books.
Best of the ‘Viols in Our Schools’ GambaCast – CEMC – Bartoloméo da Selma y Salaverde (c.1580-c.1638) – Fantasia IX
-
Sponsors:
Subscribe to our podcast!
Blog highlights
Network with us!
-
