Podcasts about bottesini

We're back in Kansas City with a 17-year-old double bassist who gives a heartfelt performance of Bottesini's Elegy No. 1. We meet a teen composer and learn about her journey in writing music, including creating an imaginative ocean adventure for the famous Kronos Quartet which you'll hear! Finally, we enjoy a flashback performance by prize-winning violinist Maria Ioudenitch from when she was a teen living in Kansas City.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

photo credit: Marco Borggreve This episode features a conversation with Sasha Witteveen, who recently released her debut album titled ‘…Into the Light.' We dig into the creative process behind the album, upcoming concerts, including her upcoming Concertgebouw recital featuring the 'Alice in Wonderland Suite' and Bottesini pieces with a mix of visual elements like stage lights and props. We also talk about the challenges and experiences of transitioning from French to German bow technique, her time studying in Düsseldorf, and reflections on various compositions including works by Xavier Foley and Dave Anderson. Enjoy, and follow along with Sasha and her career through the following links: Website Album '...Into the Light' Spotify Youtube Concert calendar 27-09-24, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam 17-11-24, Tonhalle, Düsseldorf (Martín - Bass Concerto with orchestra) Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music   Thank you to our sponsors!   Upton Bass - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations.  Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!   Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah's website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here. theme music by Eric Hochberg

Komend weekend kun je op zaterdag in Heemstede en op zondag in Haarlem naar een bijzonder concert van de vergeten componist Bottesini. Pianist Maurice van Schoonhoven en contrabassist Théotime Voisin zijn al een paar jaar een duo en voor deze gelegenheid werken ze samen met actrice Carla Hardy en regisseur Hans van Hechten. In de studio vertellen Maurice en Hans over de muziektheaterproductie. De kaartverkoop gaat via stadsherstel.nl

durée : 00:25:12 - Maria Chirokoliyska, contrebassiste soliste de l'Orchestre National de France (4/5) - par : Judith Chaine - Coup de projecteur cette semaine sur l'une des plus éminentes ambassadrice de la contrebasse, Maria Chirokoliyska, super soliste de l'Orchestre National de France ! Instrument de l'ombre, la contrebasse est pourtant d'une grande richesse musicale dotée d'un puissant pouvoir d'évocation. - réalisé par : Arnaud Chappatte

Nel sessantatreesimo e ultimo episodio di Atomi & Bit, Andrea Latino ospita Umberto Bottesini, Co-Founder & Managing Partner di BlackSheep MadTech Fund, il primo fondo di Venture Capital verticale specializzato in investimenti MadTech e rivolto a giovani aziende europee che grazie alle loro soluzioni sono in grado di personalizzare e targettizzate al meglio le campagne di marketing e advertising. Nella puntata conclusiva si parla di "easability" e "no-code", di piattaforme di gestione dell'identità del consumatore e software di Intelligenza Artificiale, di tutela della privacy e soluzioni SaaS di nuova generazione. Come di consueto, il nostro ospite regala i suoi consigli pratici ai nostri ascoltatori. In questo episodio, ci invita a focalizzarci sulle nostre priorità e affrontarle una per volta, dimostrare sempre “skin in the game” senza la paura di cambiare le regole del gioco, e puntare sulla verticalità. Buon ascolto!

Avui dediquem bona part del programa a una figura imprescindible per a la hist

Riccardo Muti leads a world premiere by Jessie Montgomery, the CSO's new Mead Composer-in-Residence. Raised on New York's Lower East Side, Montgomery writes music that is “turbulent, wildly colorful and exploding with life” (The Washington Post). CSO Principal Bass Alexander Hanna is the soloist in Bottesini's bravura concerto before the program ends on a joyous note with Beethoven's homage to nature, the Pastoral Symphony. Ticket holders are invited to a free preconcert conversation featuring Max Raimi in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets required. On April 28 the CSO Latino Alliance hosts Noche Alegre a special preconcert networking event. Tickets required. Learn more at CSO Latino Alliance. Postconcert on Tuesday, May 3, all ticketholders are invited to this free postconcert discussion: Composer Connection: A Conversation with Renée Baker and Jessie Montgomery Hosted by the CSO African American Network Tuesday, May 3 Join Chicago composer, conductor and frequent African American Network guest Renée Baker and CSO Mead-Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery for a special postconcert chat hosted by the AAN. Both known for their contributions to the modern landscape of classical music, Baker and Montgomery come together to share their unique perspectives as female composers of color. Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/muti-conducts-montgomery-beethoven-pastoral

Chris Chambers is professor at Cardiff University where he is Head of Brain Stimulation. He is also one of the pioneers behind Registered Reports, a type of article where researchers receive peer review and in-principle acceptance before the results are known. In this conversation, we focus on Registered Reports and talk about how Chris got Registered Reports started at Cortex, how the review process differs between Registered Reports and regular papers, whether they are suited for scientists on short-term contracts, and what the future holds for Registered Reports and scientific publishing in general. BJKS Podcast is a podcast about neuroscience, psychology, and anything vaguely related, hosted by Benjamin James Kuper-Smith. In 2022, episodes will appear irregularly, roughly twice per month. You can find the podcast on all podcasting platforms (e.g., Spotify, Apple/Google Podcasts, etc.). Timestamps 01:51: What are Registered Reports?07:24: How Chris got Registered Reports started16:33: Reviewing Registered Reports and regular papers25:23: Evaluating whether Registered Reports work28:52: Are Registered Reports feasible on short-term contracts / scheduled reviews38:50: Peer Community In Registered Reports / authors can choose which journal to publish their Registered Report in50:25: Do we even need journals?54:18: Does Chris ever get tired talking about Registered Reports? Podcast linksWebsite: https://geni.us/bjks-podTwitter: https://geni.us/bjks-pod-twtChris's linksWebsite: https://geni.us/chambers-webGoogle Scholar:  https://geni.us/chambers-scholarTwitter:  https://geni.us/chambers-twtBen's linksWebsite: https://geni.us/bjks-webGoogle Scholar: https://geni.us/bjks-scholarTwitter:  https://geni.us/bjks-twtReferenceshttp://neurochambers.blogspot.com/2012/10/changing-culture-of-scientific.htmlChambers, C. (2019). The seven deadly sins of psychology. Princeton University Press.Chambers, C. D. (2013). Registered reports: A new publishing initiative at Cortex. Cortex, 49(3), 609-610.Chambers, C. D., & Tzavella, L. (2021). The past, present and future of Registered Reports. Nature human behaviour, 1-14.https://www.cos.io/initiatives/registered-reportsHardwicke, T. E., & Ioannidis, J. (2018). Mapping the universe of registered reports. Nature Human Behaviour, 2(11), 793-796.https://rr.peercommunityin.org/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigori_Perelman#Geometrization_and_Poincar%C3%A9_conjecturesSoderberg, C. K., Errington, T. M., Schiavone, S. R., Bottesini, J., Thorn, F. S., Vazire, S., ... & Nosek, B. A. (2021). Initial evidence of research quality of registered reports compared with the standard publishing model. Nature Human Behaviour, 5(8), 990-997.

Der Kontrabassist Dominik Wagner spricht über den wundersamen Aufschwung, den sein Instrument gerade nimmt, über den Bass-Helden Giovanni Bottesini, das vielleicht beste Konzert seines Lebens, das er letztens in Wien gehört hat, die beste Bassgruppe der Welt und warum er so viele Videos online veröffentlicht; über die erstaunliche Bass-Vielfalt, was Stimmungen und Saitenzahl angeht, über die fokale Dystonie, jene fiese Krankheit, die ihn fast lahmgelegt hätte und die er zu beherrschen gelernt hat; und warum der Bass trotz allem das schönste Instrument überhaupt ist.

Double bassist Leon Bosch speaks with online editor Davina Shum about the life and works of Giovanni Bottesini, in the year celebrating the bicentenary of his birth. Revered in bass circles as a revolutionary, Bottesini was also a renowned performer, composer and conductor in his day. Leon will be performing works by Bottesini on 7 December at Wigmore Hall, as well as at ‘Bottesini Day' at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance on 17 December. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news and articles on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad Twitter: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Fantasie Sonnambula  The Virtuoso Double Bass: Giovanni Bottesini, volume 1 Leon Bosch, double bass / Sung Suk Kang, piano Meridian CDE 84544 Photo credit: Juno Snowdon. Art direction: Adam Hypki

Alberto Bocini recently released Mi caro Bottesini with pianist Alessandra Ammara.  We talk about this new album, the history of The Bass Gang, Alberto's plans for a tour with Ottava Imports, and much more. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Alberto's new album on Spotify and Apple Music! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Check out our Online Sheet Music Store with 100+ wide-ranging titles for bassists.   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle. Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course and Intermediate to Advanced Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.   Thank you to our sponsors!   Upton Bass String Instrument Company - Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.   Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio - CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city's ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah's website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.   Ear Trumpet Labs - They make hand-built mics out of Portland, OR and they have an excellent mic for upright bass called Nadine. The Nadine is a condenser mic with a clear natural sound and incredible feedback rejection. This mic is a completely new design -- the head mounts in between the strings above the tailpiece with a rubber grommet, and the body securely straps to the tailpiece with velcro elastic. A 14-inch Mogami cable connects the two parts making it easy to place on any bass. It's durable and holds up to the demanding needs of the instrument while offering excellent sound quality. Ear Trumpet Labs is offering a free t-shirt just for Contrabass listeners with the purchase of a mic, just visit EarTrumpetLabs.com/contrabass to claim yours and check out the Nadine!   Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion theme music by Eric Hochberg

Chris West has released a new book titled The Paganini of the Double Bass: Bottesini in Britain.  This book tells the complete life story of Bottesini, with a huge amount of supporting material from periodicals of the time and a chronological listing of all of Bottesini's double bass compositions.   We talk about the idea for this book, how Chris went about this research and what he learned in the process, fascinating facts about Bottesini's life that Chris uncovered in the process, and much more.   Enjoy, and be sure to check out the book on Amazon, learn about the backstory on Chris' website, and Chris' accompanying video about playing Bottesini arpeggios on the bass!   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Check out our Online Sheet Music Store with 100+ wide-ranging titles for bassists.   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle. Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.   Thank you to our sponsors!   Dorico - Dorico helps you to write music notation, automatically producing printed results of exceptional quality — and plays it back with breathtaking realism. It is easy enough for anyone to learn, yet has hundreds of advanced notations, features, options and sounds to satisfy even the most demanding professionals.  With its streamlined, natural user interface, students and those with less experience in scoring can compose and arrange straight into Dorico, making learning the language of music notation much faster and more intuitive. Editing and making changes — such as instrument, time signature or key — are straightforward, with the notation instantly and correctly adapting to include them, reinforcing the learning outcome.   Upton Bass String Instrument Company - Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.   Ear Trumpet Labs - They make hand-built mics out of Portland, OR and they have an excellent mic for upright bass called Nadine. The Nadine is a condenser mic with a clear natural sound and incredible feedback rejection. This mic is a completely new design -- the head mounts in between the strings above the tailpiece with a rubber grommet, and the body securely straps to the tailpiece with velcro elastic. A 14-inch Mogami cable connects the two parts making it easy to place on any bass. It's durable and holds up to the demanding needs of the instrument while offering excellent sound quality. Ear Trumpet Labs is offering a free t-shirt just for Contrabass listeners with the purchase of a mic, just visit EarTrumpetLabs.com/contrabass to claim yours and check out the Nadine!   Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion theme music by Eric Hochberg

BOTTESINI: Ero e Leandro (Ópera en 3 actos) (Acto III) (30.14). V. Mercier (sop.), G. Pasolini (ten.), R. Scandiuzzi (baj.), Orq. Fil. de Piamonte, Coro “Claudio Monteverdi” de Crema. Dir.: B. Gini. Tarantella (5.41). S. Sciascia (con.), D.-G. Leonardi (p.). Andante sostenuto para orquesta de cuerda (5.47). Orq. Sinf. de Vilna. Dir.: S. Frontalini. Escuchar audio

BOTTESINI: Ero e Leandro (Ópera en 3 actos) (Acto II) (19.56). V. Mercier (sop.), G. Pasolini (ten.), R. Scandiuzzi (baj.), Orq. Fil. de Piamonte, Coro “Claudio Monteverdi” de Crema. Dir.: B. Gini. Nel deserto, Reverie (La Notte Arabe) (10.43). Il Diavollo della Notte (5.01). Orq. Sinf. de Vilna. Dir.: S. Frontalini. Introducción y Gavota (4.38). M. Giorgi (con.), I Solisti Aquilani. Dir.: V. Antonellini. Escuchar audio

BOTTESINI: Ero e Leandro (Ópera en 3 actos) (Preludio y acto I) (42.06). V. Mercier (sop.), G. Pasolini (ten.), R. Scandiuzzi (baj.), Orq. Fil. de Piamonte, Coro “Claudio Monteverdi” de Crema. Dir.: B. Gini. Escuchar audio

BOTTESINI: Introducción y variaciones sobre "El Carnaval de Venecia" (10.15). S. Sciascia (con.), D.-G. Leonardi (p.). Passione amorosa (11.22). E. Bosso (con.), L. Colonna (con.), L. Brancaleon (p.). Variaciones sobre "Nel cor piu non mi sento" de Paisiello (6.48). E. Galli (sop.), A. Lo Gatto (con.), L. Antoniotti (fortep.). Margherita (Obertura) (8.43). Orq. Sinf. de Vilna. Dir.: S. Frontalini. Escuchar audio

BOTTESINI: Dúo concertante para violoncello, contrabajo y piano sobre temas de "I Puritani" de Bellini (12.54). M. Polidori (vc.), E. Bosso (con.), L. Brancaleon (p.). Fantasía sobre "Norma" de Bellini (10.07). A. Lo Gatto (con.), L. Antoniotti (fortep.). Fantasía sobre "La Straniera" de Bellini (11.46). S. Sciascia (con.), D.-G. Leonardi (p.). Allegretto Capriccio para contrabajo y cuerda (3.37). M. Giorgi (con.), I Solisti Aquilani. Dir.: V. Antonellini. Escuchar audio

BOTTESINI: Fantasía sobre "La Sonnambula" de Bellini (9.25). Tema y variaciones sobre "Nel cor piu non mi sento" de Paisiello (6.20). S. Sciascia (con.), D.-G. Leonardi (p.). Romanza "Une bouche aimée" (arr. para sop., con., y p.) (5.13). Elegía en Re (4.16). Tutto che il mondo serra (5.05). E. Galli (sop.), A. Lo Gatto (con.), L. Antoniotti (fortep.). Promenade des ombres (9.01). Orq. Sinf. de Vilna. Dir.: S. Frontalini. La nostra canzone (2.10). Y. Murakami (sop.), R. Cortesi (p.). Escuchar audio

BOTTESINI: Concierto para contrabajo y piano nº 2 en Si menor (arr. para con. y orq.) (16.11). E. Meyer (con.), Orq. de Cámara de Saint-Paul. Dir.: H. Wolff. Gran Allegro de concierto para contrabajo y piano, Op. Póst. (14.14). E. Bosso (con.), L. Brancaleon (p.). Gran dúo para clarinete, contrabajo y piano (9.09). L. Magistrelli (cl.), P. Murelli (con.), C. Bracco (p.). Escuchar audio

BOTTESINI: Gran Quinteto (25.38). M. Pearson (vl.), E. Robles (vl.), S. Sola Arocena (vla.), A. Gakkel (vc.), K. Martirossian (con.). Reverie para orquesta (arr. para con. y fortep.) (3.11). A. Lo Gatto (con.), L. Antoniotti (fortep.). Gran dúo concertante para violín, contrabajo y orquesta (arr. para vl., con., y p.) (15.34). S. Bresso (vl.), E. Basso (con.), L. Brancaleon (p.). Escuchar audio

BOTTESINI: Gran concierto para contrabajo y orquesta en Fa sostenido menor (22.36). T. Martin (con.), Orq. de Cámara Inglesa. Dir.: A. Litton. Elegía y Tarantella para contrabajo y cuerda (10.10). M. Giorgi (con.), I Solisti Aquilani. Dir.: V. Antonellini. Il Nilo (Notti Arabe) (7.29). Orq. Sinf. de Vilna. Dir.: S. Frontalini. Escuchar audio

Stephen Street has been establishing himself as one of the most versatile emerging UK bassists.  Equally adept at jazz and classical music, Stephen has studied with Leon Bosch, Chris West, and many other noted UK teachers.  He has also started his own publishing house and has the goal to put our urtext editions of all of Bottesini’s works. We talk about Stephen’s background, his publishing plans, goals for the future, life as a UK freelance bassist, what the pandemic has been like for him, and much more.  Enjoy, and be sure to check out his website and follow him on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter!   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Check out our Online Sheet Music Store with 80+ wide-ranging titles for bassists.   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle. Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.   Thank you to our sponsors!   Dorico - Dorico helps you to write music notation, automatically producing printed results of exceptional quality — and plays it back with breathtaking realism. It is easy enough for anyone to learn, yet has hundreds of advanced notations, features, options and sounds to satisfy even the most demanding professionals.  With its streamlined, natural user interface, students and those with less experience in scoring can compose and arrange straight into Dorico, making learning the language of music notation much faster and more intuitive. Editing and making changes — such as instrument, time signature or key — are straightforward, with the notation instantly and correctly adapting to include them, reinforcing the learning outcome.   Ear Trumpet Labs - They make hand-built mics out of Portland, OR and they have an excellent mic for upright bass called Nadine. The Nadine is a condenser mic with a clear natural sound and incredible feedback rejection. This mic is a completely new design -- the head mounts in between the strings above the tailpiece with a rubber grommet, and the body securely straps to the tailpiece with velcro elastic. A 14-inch Mogami cable connects the two parts making it easy to place on any bass. It’s durable and holds up to the demanding needs of the instrument while offering excellent sound quality. Ear Trumpet Labs is offering a free t-shirt just for Contrabass listeners with the purchase of a mic, just visit EarTrumpetLabs.com/contrabass to claim yours and check out the Nadine!   Modacity - Are you a practice-savvy musician? Get Modacity – the music practice app that organizes, focuses, and tracks your progress.  Recorder… metronome… tone generator… timer… note taking… Do away with the random assortment of music practice apps in your arsenal. Modacity™ combines all the tools you need into one easy to use, music practice tool.  Organize, focus, and reflect on your practice – motivating you to increase retention in less time.  Modacity has a special offer for Contrabass Conversations listeners that includes lifetime access to the app.     Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion theme music by Eric Hochberg

Join us in this week's episode as we travel down to the darkest depths of the orchestra with a look at the bass and a virtuoso of the instrument, Bottesini! Like, and share with a friend! Music: https://imslp.org/wiki/Double_Bass_Concerto_No.2_in_B_minor_(Bottesini%2C_Giovanni) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/legalcode

Episode 14, 2020: Bottesini’s Double Bass Concerto Wednesday 21 October 2020 Giovanni Bottesini is considered to be one of the most colourful and mysterious celebrities of 19thcentury music. Although his Double Bass Concerto no. 2 is considered to be a staple in every double bassist’s repertoire, there is unfortunately no surviving orchestral score written in the composer’s hand. Bottesini’s lack of due diligence in preserving his manuscripts made him more interesting for modern bass players who continuously search for the missing compositions in the back streets of Italy. In this episode of ANAM Radio, ANAM alumnus Alexander Arai-Swale (double bass 2017) talks to Phil Lambert (ANAM Music Librarian) from Berlin, Germany where he gives his two cents on the mysterious world of the double bass, and shares interesting anecdotes of Bottesini’s time in Baden-Baden, Germany. Alexander is currently a scholarship holder at the Karajan Academy of the Berliner Philharmoniker under the tutelage of Matthew MacDonald. The performance recording featured in this episode is from Alexander’s ANAM recital in 2016. To watch Alexander's full performance visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7M3OYvx5zo&feature=youtu.be

Starting work early today with my morning practice routine, and getting back to regular programming here with what the practice room is all about. My main focus is always trying to listen to my body, see what needs the most attention, and then not rushing into the process. I also get to work on the Bottesini bass concerto #2 as part of my routine today. 

- i samspil med den fremragende norske kontrabassist Knut Erik Sundquist i virtuose koncertstykker af Bottesini, Spohrs berømte Nonet og ikke mindst norsk folkemusik. (Kunstmuseet Heart 27. februar). Ca. 21.30 P2 Prisen 2020, Årets internationale album. Lise Davidsen - musik af Wagner og Richard Strauss. Vært: Klaus Møller-Jørgensen. www.dr.dk/p2koncerten

Pascale Delache-Feldman has been a frequently requested podcast guest, and it was such a pleasure to get a chance to connect with her!   Pascale enjoys a multifaceted career as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, and teacher.  She is the founder of the Boston Bass Bash and is co-founder of the co-founder of Duo Cello e Basso (formerly the Axiom Duo) with cellist Emmanuel Feldman.  She also teaches at Bard College, New England Conservatory, Tufts University, and Brown University.   We dig into all kinds of topics like: growing up in France attending the Paris Conservatory studying with Roger Scott at the Curtis Institute programming and commissioning music for Duo Cello e Basso differences between French and American double bass playing   Here’s a list of material that Pascale uses with her undergraduate students: Fred Zimmermann: a Contemporary Concept of Bowing Technique for the double bass Hal Robinson: Strokin' and Boardwalkin' Franco Petracchi: Simplified Higher Technique Marcos Machado: Tao of Bass Edouard Nanny: Caprice Etudes and Etudes of Virtuosity Storch-Hrabe: 57 Studies Kreutzer and Fiorillo Etudes Isaia Bille: 18 Studies Alain Weber: 10 Rhythmic and Melodic Etudes J.S Bach: Cello Suites Orchestral Excerpts by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss...... Major Bass Concertos: Dittersdorf, Vanhal, Koussevitzky, Bottesini Sonatas by Vivaldi, Bach Viola da Gamba sonatas, Misek, Schubert Arpeggione, Hindemith Short pieces by Bottesini, Koussevitzky, Glière, Fauré......   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets.   A440 Violin Shop An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.   Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Catalin Rotaru has just released a new album titled The Lord of The Basses.  This album features Catalin performing on Bottesini's famous 300-year-old Testore bass.  Catalin has also released another project this fall titled Sonic Bridges Vol. 2. About Catalin Rotaru: Catalin Rotaru was born in Moldova, a province in the far northeast of Romania, in the same region where Romania's most celebrated composer, George Enescu was born. Leaving home at the age of 11 and settling in the city of Botosani, he began his musical studies directly with the double bass. After only one year he transferred to one of the leading music schools in Bucharest, the G. Enescu Arts Lyceum. Upon his graduation he was admitted to the Conservatory, a great accomplishment, since at the time, only one bass player was admitted each year. As part of the admission process, he had to pass 5 exams: 3 instrumental - recital, technical proficiency, sight-reading and 2 theoretical - dictation, pure theory and solfeggio. His most influential teacher there was Ion Cheptea, a direct disciple of Joseph Prunner, an eminent bassist and visionary from Austria, who moved to Bucharest at the beginning of the 20th century and established at the conservatory one of the most distinguished schools of double bass. Immediately upon graduation, he was offered a position with the Sibiu State Philharmonic, a major orchestra in Transylvania. Three years later he became associate principal with the Romanian National Radio Symphony in Bucharest. While still in Romania Catalin served as principal with the Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra of Bucharest and Orchestra Sinfonica Europea, with which he toured extensively throughout Europe. In 1995 he emigrated to the U.S. after being offered a teaching assistantship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he also obtained a Master's Degree in music performance. He has also served as Associate Professor of Double Bass and Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and taught at Millikin University in Decatur Illinois before joining the faculty of the School of Music at Arizona State University, in 2005. Since his arrival in the U.S. Catalin has been the recipient of many prestigious awards. He received the second prize at the 1997 International Society of Bassists Solo Division Competition and the Jury's Special Award for the best performance of the required piece at that competition. He was the winner of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Debut Recital Award in 1997, the Central Illinois Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters Award in 1996 and in 2013, was honored with the Recognition award for Solo Performance by the International Society of Bassists, which, being an award from his peers, is one of the highest forms of recognition that a solo double bassist can receive. Catalin is one of the most in-demand International soloists of the day. His 2013 schedule alone included multiple appearances as soloist with various orchestras, performing recitals or conducting master classes at prestigious conservatories in Brazil, Japan, China, The Netherlands, Russia, Romania, Italy, Ecuador and Paraguay as well as the U.S. He also found time to perform the premieres of two new works for the bass: Andres Martin's Double Bass Concerto and Frank Proto's Sonata No. 2 for Double Bass and Piano, and serve as a juror at many of the world's most prestigious solo bass competitions. His debut solo CD, Bass*ic Cello Notes was released by Summit Records in March 2007 and in 2010 released his second CD entitled Juliana D'Agostini + Catalin Rotaru which was recorded in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In 2012 Catalin recorded his third CD, in collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra of Paraguay, which includes the world premiere of a double bass performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5. Links to Check Out: Catalin Rotaru on Liben Music The Lord of the Basses Sonic Bridges Vol. 2 Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:   A440 Violin Shop An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools. The English Double Bass Book The English Double Bass Book examines the great English double bass makers of the 18th and 19th Century, illustrating in fine detail the incredible work they produced. It also explores the fascinating story of how the double bass came to England, its development guided by the great Venetian virtuoso Domenico Dragonetti, and the rise and fall of the English double bass makers. To pre-order your limited-edition copy, please visit www.theenglishdoublebass.com. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

The 2017 Concorso Bottesini competition will take place April 18-24.  Enrico Fagone and Francisco Donati chat with Jason about the details surrounding this event. The jury members for this event are: Salvatore Accardo Thierry Barbé (previous podcast guest) Jeff Bradetich (previous podcast guest) Enrico Fagone (previous podcast guest) Eugene Levinson Dorin Marc Franco Petracchi Be sure to check out the website for Associazione Bottesini and follow along with this organization! Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets. Enter our latest string giveaway for Helicore strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings! Hosting for Contrabass Conversations is provided by Bass Capos.  Bass Capos are an excellent choice for any bass player using or looking to implement a double bass extension. Easy to install and adjust, cheaper and more reliable than hand-built latches, also lighter and quicker in operation.

This show covers the latest and greatest in the world of the double bass!  Learn more at http://contrabassconversations.com/news. George Mraz Rally for Recovery George Mraz, a world class bassist with decades of exceptional musical work as both a soloist and alongside others such as Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Henderson and many many more ( www.georgemraz.com). Surviving pancreatic surgery, George now has five months of recovery ahead. With the unexpected complications, bills and very costly medications we are setting a new goal to double the amount of contributors and reach a record 730 donors. https://www.gofundme.com/2ndyn24  DePaul University Scholarships for Undergrads The DePaul University School of Music is now offering high school juniors an opportunity to audition for conditional acceptance and as much as a 50% scholarship if pursuing a degree as a bass or viola performance major. https://music.depaul.edu/admission/auditions/Pages/high-school-junior-auditions.aspx  http://contrabassconversations.com/robkassinger  http://contrabassconversations.com/alexhanna  more details from DePaul: The opportunity to audition for the DePaul School of Music as a high school junior is only open to those students who wish to major in bass or viola performance. Any School of Music admission offer and/or scholarship award is contingent upon being accepted into DePaul University. High school juniors who audition in February of 2017 must then apply to the university through the Common Application in the fall of their senior year. Only after being accepted to DePaul will scholarship offers become valid. A high school junior who auditions in February 2017 and is offered a performance scholarship and is then accepted to DePaul University in the fall/winter of 2017, may choose to audition a second time in February 2018 to be considered for an increase in their scholarship award. A high school junior who auditions in February 2017 and is not accepted to the School of Music, is welcome to audition again in February of their senior year without any adverse consequence. Please email the admissions office with any further questions about this opportunity. D’Addario Strings http://contrabassconversations.com/daddario1  http://contrabassconversations.com/strings  10th Anniversary for Contrabass Conversations! Call 415-952-5643 and leave a message for my anniversary episode! SoCal Bass Days 2017 January 3-4 free and open to the public featuring special guests David Murray and Claus Freudenstein http://contrabassconversations.com/davidmurray  http://contrabassconversations.com/clausfreudenstein  http://bassforward.info/socal-bass-days-2017  contact Matt Hare for more information: me@matthare.com  http://matthare.com  Galicia Graves International Double Bass Festival & Competition http://www.galiciagraves.com  17, 18 & 19 February 2017 video from Thierry Barbe http://contrabassconversations.com/thierrybarbe  I will be doing a feature on this event with Gabriele Ragghianti two of the faculty members are David Heyes and Michael Klinghoffer, and I’ve featured both of them on the podcast previously http://contrabassconversations.com/davidheyes  http://contrabassconversations.com/michaelklinghoffer  Finland Awakes! March 12, 2017 FINLAND AWAKES! celebrates the centenary of Finland as an independent country. The concert will feature a wealth of Finnish music by alongside music composed for Teppo-Fest 2016 to celebrate the 75th birthday of the amazing and unique Teppo Hauta-aho. The concert is sponsored by Recital Music http://recitalmusic.net music composed by David Heyes (who recently dedicated a composition to me!), Bernard Salles, Teppo Hauta-aho, Simon Garcia, and many others https://www.facebook.com/events/1045165702279535  Hosting Provided by Bass Capos hosting for Contrabass Conversations is provided by Bass Capos, Bass Capos are an excellent choice for any bass player using or looking to implement a double bass extension. Easy to install and adjust, cheaper and more reliable than hand-built latches, also lighter and quicker in operation. Learn more at http://basscapos.com  MIDI Practice File Archive from elbsoundStudio dozens of pieces from Bach, Bottesini, Dittersdorf, Eccles, Vanhal, and others https://elbsound.studio/double-bass-midi-files.php  more links like this at http://doublebassblog.org/links  Make a Tax-Deductible Donation to the Bradetich Foundation 2017 will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Bradetich Master Classes in June and holding the long awaited 2nd International Double Bass Solo Competition on Sept. 1st-5th. By donating to the Bradetich Foundation, you are supporting the double bass, music, arts and education. http://bradetichfoundation.org/index.php?page=supportForm&form=intFriends  http://contrabassconversations.com/jeffbradetich  Help Support Contrabass Conversations! http://contrabassconversations.com/support  FEEDBACK Terrance Fitzgerald, who lives in China and listens to the podcast through the app during practice breaks. He’s interested in hearing interviews with Al Laszlo, Hal Robinson, and Tim Pitts, and I am setting up a time with Tim right now. Hal and I have also talked about doing an interview, so expect that soon as well! Terrance also suggested interviewing people that have won multiple auditions - how did they balance an orchestra job and other responsibilities with audition preparation? Several people have also written in, including Kim Parillo, so ask about where to get a copy of David Allen Moore’s book Fractal Fingerings. This isn’t currently formally published, but you can contact David for more information, and be sure to check out my “round 2” with David at http://contrabassconversations.com/davidallenmoore  Marcio Bolzan also wrote in and said that he loves listening to the podcasts and also that he saw my coverage of Alex Ritter’s double bass festival, which I covered last week on the Weekly Update. If you’d like to check that episode, or any of the Weekly Update episodes, you can visit http://contrabassconversations.com/news. Daniel Kimbro also wrote in. Daniel is active in the neo-folk/newgrass/roots music world and listens to the podcast in the car driving between Knoxville and Nashville for recording sessions, flights, and rehearsals. Daniel also expressed interest in hearing more coverage in this world. Craig Butterfield, one of my recent guests and the bass professor at the University of South Carolina, is a great example of someone active in this world. http://contrabassconversations.com/craigbutterfield. This is a great idea, and I’m starting by actually talking with Daniel for the podcast. I love exploring different musical sub genres—I recently interviewed David White, who is active in the theatre scene in New York, and I also spoke with Pablo Aslan about tango bass, and I’d love to dig more into all of these sub genres going forward with the show. http://contrabassconversations.com/davidwhite  http://contrabassconversations.com/pabloaslan  Thanks also to Joe McFadden, Mike Gaisbacher, Lori Kaufman, Stephane Bihan, Kevin Feeney, Ted Botsford and all the other people who wrote in this week, and if you’d like to write in you can send me a message at feedback@contrabassconversations.com. LAST WEEK’S GUESTS http://contrabassconversations.com/benallison http://contrabassconversations.com/billmerchant   

Recordamos la entrevista a Joaquín Riquelme, seguimos anunciando audiciones y os damos 10 prácticos consejos para preparar pruebas de orquesta de la mano de Jason Heath (Contrabass Conversations), acompañados por el Concierto para contrabajo y orquesta núm.2 en si menor de G.Bottesini. Si estás preparando audiciones, ¡no te lo puedes perder!

Recordamos la entrevista a Joaquín Riquelme, seguimos anunciando audiciones y os damos 10 prácticos consejos para preparar pruebas de orquesta de la mano de Jason Heath (Contrabass Conversations), acompañados por el Concierto para contrabajo y orquesta núm.2 en si menor de G.Bottesini. Si estás preparando audiciones, ¡no te lo puedes perder!

Today’s episode features Thomas Martin.  Tom has worn many hats throughout his career, working as an orchestra principal bass, soloist, champion of Bottesini’s music, luthier, teacher, and conductor.  We cover a wide variety of topics, including Tom's early years, playing in the Army Orchestra, studying with Roger Scott, the process of uncovering the music of Bottesini and reconstructing how Bottesini approached the instrument, making basses, and the bass revolution that’s currently taking place.  Enjoy! Links: Tom’s website Tom’s Bottesini recordings: Bottesini Collection Vol. 1 Bottesini Collection Vol. 2 Bottesini Collection Vol. 3 Bottesini Collection Vol. 4 Bottesini Collection Vol. 5 Listener feedback links: Cassie LaMarche’s GoFundMe for BASS2016 Music Podcasts I’ve been Enjoying: The Entrepreneurial Musician Divergent Paths Clarineat A Musical Life

Today’s episode features Berlin Philharmonic principal bassist Matthew McDonald. Originally from Australia, Matthew joined the Philharmonic in 2008 after spending time in orchestras in Denmark and Germany. We cover bow distribution, resonance, the performers mindset, practicing, advice for students, and several other topics. We also feature excerpts of Matthew performing pieces by Hindemith, Bruch, Bottesini, and Koussevitzky.  Check out these complete recordings and more on Matthew's YouTube channel.  Enjoy! Tracks featured: Hindemith Sonata Bruch Kol Nidrei Bottesini Grande Allegro alla Mendelssohn Koussevitzky Valse Miniature

Today’s episode features Indianapolis Symphony principal bassist Ju-Fang Liu. We had a great conversation about growing up in Taiwan, her years studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy and at Indiana University with Lawrence Hurst and Bruce Bransby, her time in New World, teaching, playing jazz, studying bass overseas, and several other topics. We also feature excerpts from her wonderful solo album, which I highly recommend checking out—it really is bass playing at its finest. Enjoy! About Ju-Fang: Ju-Fang Liu was appointed Principal Bass of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra by Maestro Mario Venzago in 2003, shortly after receiving her bachelor and master's degrees in double bass performance from Indiana University. There she studied with notable bass pedagogues Bruce Bransby and Larry Hurst. In addition, she has worked with other internationally-known teachers such as Edwin Barker, Edger Meyer, Harold Robinson, Stuart Stankey, Lawrence Wolf and Tim Cobb. Ms. Liu’s musical interests encompass all aspects of musical performance. She was a repeat performer in the world-renowned Marlboro Music Festival working with the top chamber music professionals of our time as well as performing in the Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals. A sensitive and thoughtful performer, she is constantly in demand in Indianapolis’ various chamber music venues. Ju-Fang has been a finalist for the Boston Symphony as well as for the Atlanta Symphony Principal position in 2014, and has appeared with the Chicago Symphony. In addition, she has performed as co-principal with the New World Symphony. Her solo concerto performances have included the Bottesini, Koussevitzky and Tubin concerti, the latter performed under the baton of Maestro Venzago. She is also the first performer to win both the Solo and Orchestral Categories (Adult/Professional) of the International Society of Bassists competitions. Ju-Fang has always had a serious interest in teaching and pedagogy and has previously taught at DePauw University and Indiana University. She joined the faculty of the Butler University School of Music in Indianapolis in 2014. Ms. Liu has given master classes in Columbia, working with the Filarmónica Joven de Colombia and has been a guest artist at the Taipei National School of the Arts and the Beijing Central Conservatory and other conservatories in China and Taiwan, performing recitals and giving classes. Always seeking to improve her musical scope, Ju-Fang was awarded a Creative Renewal Grant from the Arts Council of Indianapolis and has added the electric bass and jazz study to her resume. Her solo cd is available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/JuFangLiu.

Ricercare de Halffter, M. HaselböckGran dúo concertante de  Bottesini, J. L García, T. Martin, Orq. Cámara InglesaSinfonía  nº3 (selc) de Mahler, Orq. Fco. Nueva YorkConcierto para clarinete y orquesta de cámara nº2 de Arnold, T. King, Orq Cámarra Ingesa   Escuchar audio

  More about Nocturnes Leon Bosch, Sung-Suk Kang "Nocturne" (mp3) from "Virtuoso Double Bass" (Meridian Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store More On This Album   The working relationship between Sung-Suk Kang and the distinguished double bass player Leon Bosch goes back to 1982, when both were students at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. Sung-Suk accompanied Leon during lessons and at scholarship auditions. 'At the end of our courses of study,' Leon remembers, 'the RNCM principal, Sir John Manduell, invited us to play two pieces together in one of the so-called principal's concerts. These were showcase events in which his ‘prize students’ were afforded a platform to perform in front of an audience of many distinguished invited guests, as well as the public. Sung-Suk and I performed two pieces by the great double bass player Bottesini, the Capriccio di Bravura and Fantasy Sonnambula. 'I'll remember that 1984 concert forever, for Sung-Suk’s magical playing throughout. There was one extended piano tutti in Sonnambula which was particular memorable for its unique delicacy and scintillating effervescence.' Sung-Suk picks up the story. 'After we left the RNCM, Leon and I lost contact with each other for twenty years. Then in the autumn of 2006, all of a sudden I received an SMS message from Leon on my mobile.....out of the blue. I called him back and discovered that at short notice he wanted me to play for him on a CD of pieces by Bottesini. After exchanging a few emails, I agreed.’ So what had inspired Leon to make the move? 'After Sung-Suk and I parted company back in 1984 I always thought of her whenever I played Sonnambula. I often wondered what had happened to her. I have a tape recording of that principal's concert and played it often over the years to reassure myself that it was indeed real and not just a grossly exaggerated and romanticised memory! 'Then when I was scheduled to record my first Bottesini disc, my pianist had to withdraw. After much thought, I resolved to try and find Sung-Suk, since she was the only person I felt I'd really be happy to work with. I put her name into Google and found her referred to on the website of the conductor, Nayden Todorov. With that lead, I traced her to Vienna.’ 'We began to rehearse as soon as I arrived in London!' Sung-Suk recalls. 'There wasn`t enough time to work on each piece in detail.... and we only had one and a half days to record all the repertoire for the CD. 'Playing with Leon wasn`t easy at first - he has a unique way of phrasing and his rubato is never predictable. And of course my ears had to concentrate so much on picking up the thick, deep lower register of the double bass sound. But during the recording sessions everything clicked and became completely natural. 'We tried to create a new atmosphere for each piece and then find the inspiration for a special interpretation at the end of the process. This was always different from what we'd prepared....music-making with Leon is always spontaneous! I love the full sound he makes, all the different colours he creates to express varied emotions in depth.’ As for Nocturne, it allows the piano to anticipate the main theme in the opening section but then gives it no share of the melodic line so expressively introduced and sustained by the double bass. It is, however, the piano which towards the end initiates the change from minor to major harmonies, just before double-bass harmonics magically project the melody into the soprano register. If Bottesini expected to be remembered by future generations he no doubt felt that it would be through his operas and sacred music. In fact, while they are forgotten, his posthumous reputation derives from an instrumental artistry which, though it died with him, survives in the hands of those few bassists who can do his compositions full justice.   Nikolai Lugansky "Nocturne, Op. 55 No. 1" (mp3) from "Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 3, Fantasie-impromptu, Prélude, Nocturne, et al." (Onyx Classics) Buy at iTunes Music Store More On This Album   Nikolai Lugansky's first recording for ONYX. The Daily Telegraph commenting on Lugansky, said 'He can thrill in taxing pianism through his iron will and fingers of steel, but there is an assuaging velvet quality to his tone, a natural feel for lyrical line' Gramophone praised his 'pianism of immense skill, fluency and innate musical quality' Nikolai Lugansky was born in Moscow in 1972. He studied at Moscow Central Music School (under Tatiana Kestner) and then at the Moscow Conservatory, where he was a pupil of Tatiana Nikolayeva, who described him as ‘the next one’ in a line of great Russian pianists. Following Nikolayeva’s untimely death in 1993, Lugansky continued his studies under Sergei Dorensky. A laureate of the International Bach Competition in Leipzig, the Rachmaninov Competition in Moscow and the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Lugansky has a repertoire of over 50 concertos with orchestra as well as a wide range of solo and chamber works. He has worked with many distinguished orchestras and conductors including Christoph Eschenbach, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Valery Gergiev, Neeme Järvi, Raymond Leppard, Yoel Levi, Mikhail Pletnev, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Vladimir Spivakov, Evgeny Svetlanov, Yuri Temirkanov, Kurt Masur, Riccardo Chailly and others. His chamber music partners have included Vadim Repin, Alexander Kniazev, Joshua Bell, Yuri Bashmet, Mischa Maisky, Leonidas Kavakos and Anna Netrebko among others. Lugansky has recorded 23 CDs. His solo recordings on Warner Classics — Chopin Études, Rachmaninov Préludes and Moments musicaux and Chopin Préludes — were each awarded a Diapason d’Or. His PentaTone Classics SACD of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto no.1, with the Russian National Orchestra under Kent Nagano, was cited as ‘Editor’s Choice’ in Gramophone. His Prokofiev CD was one of the ‘CDs of the Year’ (2004) featured in The Daily Telegraph. Lugansky’s recordings of the complete piano concertos of Rachmaninov, with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Sakari Oramo, received Choc du Monde de la Musique, Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik and the 2005 ECHO Klassik Award. His last recording (Chopin’s and Rachmaninov’s cello sonatas) with the cellist Alexander Kniazev won the 2007 ECHO Klassik Award. As well as performing and recording, Lugansky teaches at the Moscow Conservatory as an assistant of Prof. Sergei Dorensky.   Anthony Goldstone "Nocturne in D-Flat Major, Op. 8" (mp3) from "Russian Piano Music, Vol. 4: Sergei Lyapunov" (Divine Art) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This Album Now almost forgotten in the West, Lyapunov was one of the truly great composers of the Romantic era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His Sonata is a phenomenal work and his mastery of pianistic composition is also finely demonstrated by the other works on this album masterfully interpreted by Anthony Goldstone. Anyone who loves Chopin or Liszt should get to know this music.   Fuzjko Hemming "Nocturne No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor" (mp3) from "Fuzjko Hemming - Collector's Edition" (Fuzjko Label) Buy at iTunes Music Store Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This Album Having wowed much of the Eastern Hemisphere for years, classical pianist Fuzjko Hemming is preparing for her introduction to the United States. Having been born into humble circumstances, child of a Japanese mother and Swedish father, she has felt rootless, too Asian in appearance for Sweden, and in Japan constricted by the society's stratified and class-oriented way of life. Then, as she was starting to gain traction as a professional musician, her promising career was cut short. - Fuzjko lost all hearing in her left ear after battling a serious cold. At 16, she already lost her hearing in her right ear due to illness. Completely deaf for 2 years, she eventually had 40% of her hearing restored in her left ear. After living in poverty in Europe for many years before returning to Japan and gaining acclaim for her music - critics hailed her as being "born to play Chopin and Liszt " In 1999, Japan's NHK Television aired a documentary of her life and she released her debut album, La Campanella, which sold more than two million copies, a rare accomplishment for any classical artist She also has won an unprecedented four Classical Album of the Year Awards at the Japan Gold Disc Awards, another extraordinary achievement for any artist, let alone a classical artist She remains the only four-time Gold Disc Award winner. Since that time she has recorded numerous successful albums - invigorating collections of classical interpretations, five of which are being released for the first time in the U.S. on her label Domo Records: Echoes of Eternity, La Campanella, Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1, Nocturnes of Melancholy, Live at Carnegie Hall. On the new album, Fuzjko, the artist performs largely romantic repertoire ranging from Beethoven's "The Tempest" sonata to works by Chopin, Liszt, Scarlatti and Debussy. In each piece, whether performing Chopin's Nocturnes or Liszt's bravura pieces "La Campanella" and "Grand Etudes D'Apres Paganini No. 6", Fuzjko infuses poetry to these timeless compositions, and always in her own eminently attractive style. The warmth of Fuzjko's sound can also be heard in Scarlatti's Sonata K.162 and Debussy's "Claire De Lune". Although much of the repertoire is familiar, Fuzjko also dips into lesser known works like Liszt's transcription of Schumann's "Fruhlinghsnacht", and Chopin's "Trois Nouvelles Etudes No.3, and always played with her celebrated musicality much in evidence. The celebrated virtuoso blends the classicality of her influences such as Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin with the sophisticated approach of her mentors (Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan) to create an emotional delivery of exquisite craftsmanship. She's been known to bring some fans to tears with her moving immersion in her music. With her strikingly unorthodox playing style and intricate ethnic roots, it's evident that Fuzjko's true home is at the piano, where she reveals herself as a true artist of the world.   Carly Comando "Bear" (mp3) from "One Take" (Deep Elm) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This Album   Chilling. Stirring. Powerful. Contemplative. These are some of the words most frequently used to describe the achingly beautiful piano instrumentals of Carly Comando. Her debut album "One Take" features ten delicately woven songs (including her single "Everday") that are the direct emotional output of her innermost thoughts. "The album means the world to me. It's complete, in-the-moment sincerity translated into moody solo piano music. I used an improv technique, recording in just one take, so I could capture the essence of pure emotion" says Carly. From the rises and falls to the shrinks and swells, these songs will leave an indellible impression on your mind. It's music that stays with you forever. "One Take" was recorded in Carly's home studio in Brooklyn, NY. Mastered by Phil Douglas (Latterman, Small Arms Dealer, Iron Chic). The album includes the "Everyday" which was originally released in December 2006. Deep Elm Records is simultaneously releasing an EP titled "Cordelia" featuring four additional piano instrumentals. Carly also plays keyboards / sings in the band Slingshot Dakota and composes custom works upon request. And yes, that was the name given to her at birth. "This is music that changes lives, opens minds, broadens horizons. Carly is an amazing pianist." - ANA "Beautiful and soothing, she will evoke emotion and ease any scattered mind. A talented composer." - SweetieJo "Emotional and inspiring, it grabs your soul and moves you. Highly recommended." - The Rez

We’re featuring double bassist Leon Bosch performing selections from his latest album on this week’s Contrabass Conversations episode. Titled Virtuoso Double Bass Vol. 2, this album contains a dozen works, both familiar and less familiar, from Giovanni Bottesini. You can purchase this album (as well as Leon’s other albums) from Meridian Records here, and learn more about Leon at leonbosch.co.uk.

This week's Contrabass Conversations episode features an interview with Chicago-based double bassist and electric bassist Scott Rosenthal. Scott is one of the major players for the Chicago theater scene, having performed in a huge number of productions such as The Producers, Ragtime, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, and Showboat. We also feature Italian bassist Stefano Sciascia performing Adagio Melanconico e Appassionato by Bottesini. Enjoy!