Many strings to my bow

Tomorrow I have the unusual requirement of playing the cello and the double bass in the same concert. Not at the same time, thankfully, but nevertheless it’s not without its problems. The fingerings are different (the cello fingering covers a fourth, and only a tone on the bass), the bow-weight and finger-spacings are different. It’s only to accompany some pupils, but is an interesting prospect. Other orchestral players will double instruments – violinista/violists, flautists, clarinetists etc. – but I don;t know how they do it. Myself, I try to divide my brain in two, which leaves me with about 50% of the mental concentration on playing each instrument.

Wish me luck.


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