Examination of mid-nineteenth century double bass playing based on A. Müller and F.C. Franke’s discourse in the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, 1848 – 1851
(2015)
author(s): Shanti Nachtergaele
published in: KC Research Portal
Name: Shanti Nachtergaele
Main Subject: Violone
Research Coach: Anna Scott
Title of Research: Examination of Mid-Nineteenth Century Double Bass Playing Based
on A. Müller and F.C. Franke’s Discourse in the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, 1848 – 1851:
With a discussion of the relevance of historical techniques to modern conventional and
historically informed (‘HIP’) performance practices
Research Questions:
• Should historical double bass techniques be incorporated into historically informed
performance (‘HIP’) practices today, and how can historical techniques be used to
enhance modern performances?
• Who was F.C. Franke, what insights can he and August Müller provide about the state
of double bass playing c. 1850, and which of their ideas can be applied by double
bassists today?
• Can Müller’s and Franke’s contrasting ideas be combined, and what benefits does this
integration offer to both ‘HIP’ and mainstream modern performers?
Summary of Results:
In the period 1849 - 1851, a collection of articles by A. Müller and F.C. Franke appeared
in the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, which discussed various aspects of double bass playing.
The two double bassists agreed on some points, including that the double bass has a very
important role in the orchestra, that there was a lack of good double bass players at the
time, and the general characteristics of a good instrument; but they debated other
subjects, such as playing stance, left hand technique, bow technique, the components of
daily practice, and the common practice of simplifying double bass parts. Their
discussion on these topics has implications for historically informed performance,
especially in regards to the performance of orchestral works. During my presentation I
will briefly discuss the historical background of my research, including biographical
information, the state of double bass playing in the mid-nineteenth century. Using
recorded audio and video examples and live demonstrations, I will then discuss the
practical components of this artistic research: Franke’s and Müller’s opposing fingering
methods, and Müller’s suggested modifications of the double bass parts of Beethoven's
symphonies.
Biography:
Shanti Nachtergaele grew up in California (USA), and holds a Bachelor of Music degree
in Double Bass Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory, where she studied with
Donovan Stokes. She currently studies historic double bass and 8’ violone with Maggie
Urquhart, and is interested in exploring historical perspectives of bass pedagogy and
technique. Her research won the student division of the 2014 International Society of
Bassists Research Competition, and she has been invited to present at the ISB’s 2015
convention.
