Giovanni Bottesini, the composer featured on this album, initially enrolled in the Milan Conservatory for bassoon or double bass and chose the latter.
Instruments
Bottesini played a three-stringed double bass throughout his life, which he tuned a whole tone higher than the traditional four-stringed instrument.
Composer's Artistic Vision
As an Italian and an opera conductor, Bottesini loved melody and bel canto, composing several operas and arranging themes from Italian operas for the double bass.
Compositional Technique
Bottesini developed new techniques for the double bass, enabling this lowest string instrument to achieve solo qualities.
Composer Biography
Bottesini was a world-famous double bassist, but also led opera orchestras and conducted, including the premiere of Verdi's opera Aida in Cairo in 1871.
Performer Biography
Rick Stotijn, the double bassist on this album, performs on a Rafaele & Antonio Gagliano double bass, funded by the National Musical Instrument Foundation.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded using Bruel & Kjaer 4006 and Schoeps microphones, with DSD Super Audio digital conversion.
You might also enjoy...
Bellini: Soprano Arias
Italian Oratorios (Oratorio Italiens) / Compilation, Vol. 10
Sammartini: Symphonies and Overtures
Carissimi: Mass for Three Voices / 6 Motets
Lucchesi: Sonata per Organo
D'India: Balli
Avanti L'opera: An A-Z of Italian Baroque Overtures
