The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched of the bowed string instruments in the symphony orchestra. Its morphology combines characteristics of the violin family (such as the f-holes and the scroll) with elements of the ancient viols, namely the sloping shoulders, the flat back, and tuning in perfect fourths. Typically, it has four thick strings (E, A, D, G), and in the orchestra, the addition of a fifth string or mechanical extensions to reach the lowest C is common.
Acoustically, the sound is generated by the friction of the strings with a bow, or by direct plucking with the fingers (pizzicato technique). The vibration of such long and heavy strings requires a quite voluminous soundbox to project the low frequencies. The result is a deep and resonant timbre, fundamental for the orchestral harmonic foundation.
Historically, the instrument evolved from the Renaissance violone during the 16th century. Unlike the other members of the bowed strings, the double bass resisted rigorous standardization of shape and size over the centuries, still presenting today evident constructive variations and distinct bow models (French and German).
Teachers
Courses with this instrument
Born in Porto (1991), Bruno Carneiro began his double bass studies with Joel Azevedo. His foundational academic training culminated in his admission to the Royal College of Music, in Thomas Martin's class. While in England, he was a member of the Britten Pears Orchestra where he distinguished himself as principal double bass in B. Britten's opera “The Turn of The Screw”.
In the realm of solo performance, notable interpretations include “Dark with Excessive Bright” by Missy Mazzoli, under the direction of Bruno Borralhinho with the Orquestra do Algarve, and G. Bottesini’s “Gran Duo Concertante,” with violinist Rómulo Assis and the Orquestra do Norte. In contemporary music, he performed solo John Cage’s “Ryoanji” with the New Perspectives Orchestra, under the direction of Nicholas Collon, and Samantha Fernando’s “Shadows on Shadows” with the Lux Ensemble.
Currently Assistant Principal in the Orquestra do Algarve, he is regularly invited to play with the Aarhus Symfoniorkester (Denmark), Sinfónica da Galiza, Filarmonia das Beiras, Sinfónica do Porto CdM, MusicAeterna (Russia) among others. He was a mentor for the AMCC Double Bass Festival, a jury member for the Ilda Moura Competition, and a section coach for the “OJ”. He currently teaches at the Conservatório de Música de Loulé – Francisco Rosado.