Double Bass

Considerations for the double bassist performing transcriptions

NOTE: Please keep in mind that the transcriber is a double bassist who creates challenging parts. Double bass players may opt to leave out double stops and certain high notes.

Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks

• a few double stops in both middle and high registers including major and minor 6ths, a minor 2nd
• bassist must nail some high notes

Sorcerer's Apprentice

• several double stops in both middle and high registers including major and minor 3rds & 6ths
• bassist must nail some high notes
• some artificial and natural harmonics

Peter and the Wolf

• several double stops in both middle and high registers including major and minor 2nds, 3rds & 6ths
• bassist must nail some high notes (including some high Fs)
• some strummed chords
• many natural harmonics
• a very clever bass part!

Animal Circus Suite

• Dinosaurs works best with the low D of an extension but D-string will suffice
• Dinosaurs also requires the short use of some difficult artificial harmonics (in septet version only)
• There's some awkward thumb position required in the Flying Horse movement.

The Comedians Suite

• very few double stops
• very few high note
• Waltz constantly switches pizz arco arco like L'Histoire Waltz
• a very fun bass part!

Schwanda Polka & Fugue

• plays Fugue subject in F# major
• bassist must nail some high notes (including descending chromatic line from high G harmonic)
• high chromatic figure repeated in thumb position

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