Volume 19 of the OJBR presents The Double Bass: Becoming the Foundation of the Orchestra by Victoria Bakewell, and The Heartbeat of Jazz: The Multifaceted Role of the Jazz Bass through the Eyes of Jazz Architects by Dr. Seungyoung Hong.
Abstract: This paper explores the development of the double bass during the Baroque period when it evolved from a lesser-known string instrument into a foundational part of the orchestra. Though initially overshadowed by the violin family, the double bass gained prominence due to its unique low register and growing role in rhythmic support. The technical modifications made to the instrument, including changes to string tension and tuning, were essential for improving its sound quality and playability. Italy's influence, particularly through its embrace of the double bass in orchestral settings, was pivotal in spreading the instrument across Europe. The bassists' adaptability and willingness to modify their instruments to meet the orchestra's needs played a crucial role in securing the double bass's place. Its ability to provide harmonic depth and rhythmic stability solidified its role as a necessary instrument in the ensemble.
Abstract: Beyond the surface roles and settled jazz bass performing style, the purpose of this study is to investigate the deeper musical role required of the bassist as a rhythm section player in the practical inner workings of jazz performance. This study highlights the subtle distinctiveness, the different chief focuses, and the characterized contributions of bassists through the incorporation of the thoughts, opinions, and perspectives of historical jazz musicians — "architects" and involved practitioners. Rather than focusing on the practical construction of bass performance or the instrumental abilities of individual players, it explores a conceptual view of the bassist's multifaceted role for various musical impacts. The perspectives on the bassist's nuanced fulfilment are divided into four different yet related categories, and it recognizes that the essential role is diverse and subject to change, contributing significantly to music-making process and requiring numerous additional conditions, demands, ideas, and various elements.
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Citations to articles from OJBR should include the URL as found at the beginning of the article and the paragraph number; for example:
Volume 3
Alexandre Ritter, "Franco Petracchi and the Divertimento Concertante Per Contrabbasso E Orchestra by Nino Rota: A Successful Collaboration Between Composer And Performer" Online Journal of Bass Research 3 (2012), <http://www.ojbr.com/volume-3-number-1.asp>, par. 1.2.Volume 2
Shanon P. Zusman, "A Critical Review of Studies in Italian Sacred and Instrumental Music in the 17th Century by Stephen Bonta, Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing Co., 2003." Online Journal of Bass Research 2 (2004), <http://www.ojbr.com/volume-2-number-1.asp>, par. 1.2.Volume 1
Michael D. Greenberg, "Perfecting the Storm: The Rise of the Double Bass in France, 1701-1815," Online Journal of Bass Research 1 (2003) <http://www.ojbr.com/volume-1-complete.asp>, par. 1.2.
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