Jeff Bradetich (a former Contrabass Conversations guest) has launched the first annual Bradetich International Solo Competition in Texas this month, and it’s been getting great press, as you can see from the following story from the BBC News:

Musicians aim to put double bass in solo spotlight

For centuries, the massive double bass has thundered away in a supporting role at the back of the orchestra. As some of the world’s top bassists meet for an inaugural solo contest in Texas, the BBC’s Daniel Nasaw talks to the musicians working to put the instrument in the spotlight.

In classical music, the double bass is mostly known as a back-up instrument. It is the size of a small rowing boat, with strings so long and thick they look like they belong on a winch.

Its pitch is so low it challenges the limits of human hearing, and while the violin, cello and piano are renowned for their solo range, the double bass has largely been limited to providing an unglamorous but necessary foundation in symphonic works, operas and concerti.

But this week in Texas, some of the world’s finest double bass players will participate in what they say is one of the highest-profile efforts yet to bring respect to the bass as a solo instrument.

Read the complete story

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