Volume 1, July 2003
Perfecting the Storm: The Rise of the Double Bass in France, 1701-1815

by Michael D. Greenberg

Abstract: After summarizing the evidence for the existence of sub-bass instruments in France before 1700, this article will endeavor to establish a precise chronology of the introduction of the double bass to the orchestra of the Académie royale de musique in Paris. Through a detailed examination of existing parts and scores of the works performed during this period, it will trace the evolution of the use of the double bass in early French opera.

1. Prologue

• Introduction
• Definition
• Sources

2. The Double Bass in France Before 1700

• Evidence for a Double Bass Member of the Viol Family
• Evidence for a Double Bass Member of the Violin Family
• La Grosse Basse:
• A Double Bass?

3. The Double Bass in France After 1700

• The Académie royale de musique or Opéra
• Michel Pignolet de Montéclair (1667-1737): The First Double Bass Player

4. The Double Bass in French Opera, 1701-1737

• Gatti's Scylla
• Campra's Tancrède
• Jean-Sébastien de Brossard's Dictionnaire
• The Storm Scene
• Other Scenes with Double Bass
• Extant Performance Material

5. The Double Bass in French Opera 1737-1815

• Montéclair's Successors, 1737-1780
• Evidence for a Second Double Bass Player
• Introduction of a Second Double Bass to the Grand Chœur
• Expansion of the Double Bass Section
• Comédie Française, Comédie Italienne, Opéra-Comique, Concert Spirituel
• Conclusion

References

Illustrations

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