The double bass in folk music
A concise method by Peter Gisler offers practical exercises and motivating instructions and thus closes a gap in music education.
Since the turn of the millennium at the latest, Swiss folk music has been rediscovered and revitalized with new impulses. Regardless of this phenomenon, the subject has always lent itself to double bass lessons, as several teaching objectives can be ideally combined: keeping the meter regular, using the double bass in an important function as an accompanying instrument, knowing the basic tonal levels and playing by ear, etc. With these basic experiences and skills, it is easy to broaden the spectrum, whether it is in the newly developed variety of Swiss folk music (see the collections currently being published by the same publishing house), or in European and non-European folklore through to standard jazz.
However, a handy method and pedagogically oriented collection of materials for double bass players has been lacking until now. Now Peter Gisler has produced a manual that is both simple and systematic. The first 16 pages contain unpretentious instructions on playing the double bass for self-learners, illustrated with photos, drawings and basic exercises. It then leads step-by-step to the practice of accompaniment, from basic accompaniment to alternating bass to transitions and simple effects. The short music theory at the end can also be used for double bass lessons regardless of the subject. The clever choice of model songs and illustrative graphics cleverly lead to the basic accompaniment forms of a Schottisch, Ländler and waltz. A Monferreina and other examples reflect the fact that Swiss folk music cannot be reduced to the same old dances. The CD, which is as simple as it is beautifully recorded, on which the bass can be heard with a pithy, contemporary sound and is later faded out for your own playing, should contribute a great deal to the motivation to apply what you have learned. And it is an invitation to look for fellow players ...
Peter Gisler, The double bass in Swiss folk music. Instructions for the use of the double bass in Swiss folk music, order no. 1113, with CD, Fr. 38.00, Mülirad-Verlag, Altdorf 2013
