Next Level Bassist Musicality Issue

is essential that each player feel he or she is
making an audible and meaningful musical
contribution.” As John Moore puts it, “players
will bring something out and the others will
catch on and follow. There is almost never any
discussion.” The excitement that comes from
this spontaneous music making underscores
the trust and confidence that runs through
each member. As part of a profession where
people may sit next to the same person for 30
years, it’s remarkable to know that colleagues
can still bring inspiration to the workplace
every day.
In an era of increasing financial difficulties
and uncertainty in the nation’s orchestras,
the Pittsburgh section remains excited and
enthusiastic. According to Jennifer Godfrey, a
frequent section guest, “each time I sub here,
I wonder if I’ll be fired for smiling too much
during rehearsals.” It’s this attitude of “professional
playfulness” that gives each member a
sense of ownership and pride. In professional
music settings, it’s easy to feel like your voice
isn’t being heard - in fact, in some groups this
is almost the goal of the ensemble. Not so in
Pittsburgh, according to Micah Howard: “We
all give 100%. We have great respect for each
other. We share ideas and grow musically
together.” In fact, this was a response received
from every member of the bass section, where
collaboration far outranks ego.
Speaking of Mahler, nearly every member of
the bass section reported that their favorite
repertoire to play was the big romantic works
of Mahler and his contemporaries. Sure, it’s
little surprise that musicians are attached to
and affected by the emotional outpouring and
total immersion of this composer, but it boils
down to the musical philosophy of the bass
section as described by Jennifer Godfrey:
“To (F-ing) Rock It!” ■
Selected viewing
Complete performance of
Mahler 5 with the Pittsburgh
Symphony and Manfred Honeck
at the Berlin Philharmonie
(Great bass soli shot at 12:34!)
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Rv6gKituIfY
Mahler 2, Movement 1
conducted by Sir Gilbert Levine
(with an absolutely riveting opening
passage by the bass section)
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=6C1htRMKtlQ
Ein Heldenleben conducted
by Manfred Honeck at the
Berlin Philharmonie
(the work begins at 23 minute mark)
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=yyeR-gPakWo
Lemur Music
“Everything for the Double Bass”
Full Service Lutherie Shop, Bass
Showroom, and On-Line Store
Dozens of Basses, Strings,
Bows, Rosins, Gig Bags,
Stands, Accessories, Pickups,
Speakers, Amps, Music &
Recordings, plus hundreds of
items you always dreamed of
finding...all in one place.
32238 Paseo Adelanto,
San Juan Capistrano, CA
92675
lemur@lemurmusic.com
800-246-BASS
www.lemurmusic.com
6 NOV/DEC 2013 NEXT LEVEL BASSIST