BOTTESINI, Giovanni
Concerto for Double Bass and Piano No. 2 in B minor
II. Andante
Janne Saksala, guest professor
María del Mar Rodríguez Martínez, student
Jesús Gómez Madrigal, accompanying pianist
Professor Saksala advises the student to create different atmospheres and more contrasts. The character of this work is like a lullaby. The best way to start a long sound is to play with more calm and progression as well as with projection. It is also important to work on articulations, vibrato, and dynamics in relation to the phrasing. The bows should be played outside the fingerboard, in the middle of the bridge, to obtain greater resonance. They talk about the student’s instrument and about the tuning for different specific notes.
Each time the same phrase is given (same notes or same melodic design), the repetition should have some different element and not be played exactly the same as the first time. Professor and student also comment on the harmonic richness of the piece. Saksala also shows the student the most suitable point where the bow has to make contact with the string. In general, the phrasing has to be more free. They also work on the distribution of the notes in the bow to achieve greater fluidity in the music. Although the rallentando is a matter of personal taste, there is no need to exaggerate it.
Returning to the subject of phrasing, in a specific repetition of a phrase, the second time is much more conclusive. Finally, they work on the final phrase in relation to the phrasing, articulation, and duration of the notes (it is like a staircase to heaven).
Language: English
