On the question of minor alterations in the double bass parts of Beethoven

Abstract

Applied study on local problems in Beethoven´s symphonic double bass parts resulting from his non-idiomatic writing for the instrument. It includes analysis and performance alternatives for problematical excerpts from the nine Symphonies, the Piano Concerto N.4, the Leonore Overture N.3 and the Consecration of the House Overture. Specifically, it discusses 33 musical excerpts related to the double bass tessitura, octaving/compressing/changing of intervals, bowings, dynamics, tempos, divisi with cello and within the double bass section, omission of ornaments, expression slurs, tuning of the strings and bow contact point on the double bass strings.
Keywords: Beethoven; Double bass; Orchestral music; Music composition; Music performance; Idiomatic writing.