Jeff Bradetich and Dominik Wagner: The Double Bass as a Solo Instrument

Jeff Bradetich has been and is still one of the most important figures in the double bass solo scene. As a soloist he has performed all over the world and as a pedagogue he brought forward countless incredible musicians and instrumentalists. In this conversation he talks to Dominik Wagner about the double bass as a solo instrument, its past and its possible future.
0:00 - Introduction
1:24 - The current bass scene
2:45 - Jeffs story of becoming a double bassist
5:30 - Development of bass settings and techniques
7:43 - Arrangements for the bass
9:24 - The Importance of harmonies
12:15 - Jeffs way to discover the bass as a solo instrument
15:02 - Singing as an approach to the bass
17:05 - The European and American bass scene
21:05 - The missing bass concerto
27:10 - Composers in the bass scene
28:39 - The Braditich foundation
36:28 - How to make people listen to classical music again

[@bassdivo]

This is such an extraordinary conversation! I’ve always been aware of Prof Bradetich but I had no idea that he has been so influential in the development of the current robust double bass community! Dominik, I am a mid career musician with a background as a classical musician and I’ve followed a lot of other interests into of jazz, songwriting, pop music production etc. but I stumbled upon your videos last year and you’ve inspired me to recommit to the study of our great instrument. Your impeccable sound , absolute clarity of ideas and robust musicality truly set a bar for the rest of us. Thank you for this treat of being able to witness two masters/scholars in conversation!

[@alvin_tp5281]

Magnificent talk about the current scene of the instrument, I really like the way of thinking about continuing to expand the solo repertoire for the double bass, although I am only a young man who has been studying the instrument for less than two years, I am writing a solo concert for the instrument that I love what the double bass is, because your interpretations have led me to write more music so that this beautiful instrument can sing for the audience.

[@pipthepipster955]

Great interview, keep it up!!!

[@raviarrauf5741]

Thanks Dominik! this is very interesting and motivating

[@bolillo5013]

As a highschool bassist, Dominik is extremely inspiring

[@SteveAbrahall]

What a great conversation. Some fantastic perspective on history and contemporary bass playing. Many thanks to Jeff and Dominik for making this happen!

[@themusiccovenant]

Excellent

[@betterbaggage]

Great conversation. Thank you!

[@Kontrabass_basso]

Thank you very much for Dominik and Mr. Bradetich! This is very Interesting!
Japanese or German subtitles would also be appreciated for me!😂😂😂