Karr-Koussevitzky double bass: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Koussbass-frontback.gif|frame|The Karr-Koussevitzky bass]] |
[[Image:Koussbass-frontback.gif|frame|The Karr-Koussevitzky bass]] |
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The '''Karr-Kousevitzky bass''' or '''Amati bass''' is a famous [[double bass]] previously belonging to [[Serge Koussevitzky]] and [[Gary Karr]]. Now generally referred to as the ''Karr-Koussevitzky'' rather than the ''Amati'' |
The '''Karr-Kousevitzky bass''' or '''Amati bass''' is a famous [[double bass]] previously belonging to [[Serge Koussevitzky]] and [[Gary Karr]]. Now generally referred to as the ''Karr-Koussevitzky'' rather than the ''Amati''; until recently, the bass had been attributed to the [[Amati]] brothers, but now it is generally believed to be of [[France|French]] origins.<ref>[http://web.utk.edu/~grissino/downloads/karr%20bass.pdf Tree Ring Dating of the Karr-Koussevitzky Double Bass: A Case in Dendromusicology]</ref> It is renowned for its tonal quality in solo music but is considered to be difficult to play.<ref>[http://nuevobasso.wordpress.com/2006/09/22/tackling-the-amati-bass-part-ii/ Tackling the "Amati" bass - Part II]</ref> |
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==Provenance== |
==Provenance== |
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Revision as of 19:04, 18 April 2007
The Karr-Kousevitzky bass or Amati bass is a famous double bass previously belonging to Serge Koussevitzky and Gary Karr. Now generally referred to as the Karr-Koussevitzky rather than the Amati; until recently, the bass had been attributed to the Amati brothers, but now it is generally believed to be of French origins.[1] It is renowned for its tonal quality in solo music but is considered to be difficult to play.[2]
Provenance
The bass has been officially possessed by Koussevitzky, his widow, Karr, and the International Society of Bassists.[3] After Koussevitzky died in 1951, the bass remained in the care of his wife, Olga, until 1962. Olga presented the instrument to Karr after attending one of his recitals. She said that she saw the ghost of her husband embrace him on stage, and took this as a sign to pass the bass on.[4][5] Karr continued playing the instrument, and it became his main bass for over 40 years until he donated the instrument to the International Society of Bassists, an organization he founded.[6] It is currently lent out to bass professionals on special occasions for concerts.[7]
Origins
The origins of the bass have long been subject to speculation. Although nothing is known of the instrument before 1901, Koussevitzky reported having acquired it from a French dealer.[8] The bass was originally thought to have been made in 1611 by Antonio and Girolamo Amati; however, recent studies suggest a French origin and a fabrication date closer to 1800.[9] The studies consider style of construction and feature proportions to identify a region and date; growth ring analysis further confirmed the more recent date.
References
- ^ Tree Ring Dating of the Karr-Koussevitzky Double Bass: A Case in Dendromusicology
- ^ Tackling the "Amati" bass - Part II
- ^ Instrument identification and ownership listing
- ^ Karr-Koussevitzky Bass, International Society of Bassists
- ^ The Spirit of Koussevitzky, Gary Karr and Harmon Lewis
- ^ "Parting Gift", Strings Magazine
- ^ "Some shots of the Karr-Koussevitzky bass"
- ^ Tackling the "Amati" bass - Part I
- ^ "Famous Double Bass to Be Played in Albion Concert"