Double Bass in the Twentieth-Century Chamber Instrumental Music: Development of Double Bass Solo Performance

Abstract

The rapid evolution of double bass solo and chamber performance during the twentieth century is explored on the examples of chamber instrumental works written specifically for double bass or with its participation. Analysis of these works allows to form an idea of broadening the expressive range of double bass due to emergence of new performing techniques and improving the traditional ones. The diverse spectrum of musical expression of these works allows evaluating authors’ philosophical and imagery concepts that are realized in modern double bass as a rightful participant of ensemble and solo music. The main provisions of double bass functioning in the chamber ensemble are outlined. Artistic and stylistic specifics of modern double bass performance are based on the acknowledgment that technical and thinking-based motivated actions that allow achieving the highest creative result in interpreting chamber instrumental music, are inseparable