Musical Notes and Thoughts

After taking a bit over a week away due to  a bunch of semi-routine medical stuff, I’m back to practicing again. The sound of the bass is starting to open up a bit, and I continue to be believe that I’m really going to like this instrument.

One thing that struck me today is just how easy the instrument is to play—no double-bass is truly “easy” <smile>—compared to my previous instrument. It doesn’t take anywhere near as much effort, and as I get back into it, I think I may have a shot at getting up to practicing three hours a day. On my previous bass, about one and a half hours or so would be all I’d dare hope for now (I’m not a “yung’un” anymore). If I can reach the three hours a day that would really help to expedite getting back to doing recitals (even two would be good, and that should be more attainable). In any case, I’ll have to work up to it to avoid potential injury.

A second thing that hit me is just how much fun this new instrument is to play. As I get used to it, a much wider range of expression should be possible than with the other instrument. So, my playing should end up being more musical. I do have quite a ways to go, as it will take time to learn the positions of the notes: the overall feel of the instrument is very different.

The tone is brighter than the other instrument, though unexpectedly, it has an even more solid low end. I’m very curious to see where God takes all of this, and it will be interesting to see when the biblically based recitals resume. There is a chance it might be sooner than I am thinking, but we’ll see. I’ve still got a new bass concerto to finish writing, and several other pieces to arrange. So, resuming is a ways off, regardless.

There is much to be encouraged about.