Shagan Grolier was the principal double bass at the Opéra de la Monnaie in Brussels in 2018 and 2019.
Compositional Technique
The composer, Jacques Vanherenthals, carefully considered the double bass's tuning in fourths, as opposed to the violoncello's fifths, and incorporated techniques like double-stops and harmonics for musical goals.
Performer Biography
Shagan Grolier, the double bassist on this recording, initially earned a saxophone degree before discovering and pursuing the double bass.
Composition History
These Four Baroque Suites for solo double bass were composed by Jacques Vanherenthals in summer 2012 as a direct homage to Bach's six violoncello suites.
Compositional Technique
While written in a Baroque style, Jacques Vanherenthals' suites incorporate contemporary touches, such as certain harmonic progressions and a tango in the fourth suite.
Composer Biography
Jacques Vanherenthals, the composer, has spent his entire career as an orchestra musician, first with the RTBF orchestra and then leading his own Ensemble Orchestral of Brussels.
Composer Biography
Jacques Vanherenthals is deeply involved with Johann Sebastian Bach's music, being a central figure in the Chapelle des Minimes, which performs monthly Bach cantata concerts in Brussels.
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