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I had just returned from the 2009 International Society of Bassists Convention when I got a message from double bassist Jonathan Stefaniak, a former Civic Orchestra of Chicago bassist who is now playing in an orchestra in Japan. Jonathan had just listened to our CBC Ed Barker interview (guest hosted by John Grillo) and decided to contribute an interview of his own featuring former Berlin Philharmonic Principal Bass Klaus Stoll. Professor Stoll had been working with Jonathan’s orchestra in Japan on Georg Bizet’s Carmen, and Jonathan was able to find some time to chat privately with him in what turned out to be a fascinating and articulate interview. I’m sure that you’ll really enjoy checking out this interview next weekend! Incidentally, Klaus has recently released a DVD which you may want to check out as well.

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.

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