UNT College of Music professor using research grant to change perception of double bass

Monday, February 15, 2016 - 15:41
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UNT College of Music Regents Professor of Double Bass Jeff Bradetich records Bach's Cello Suite No. 4, written for a solo cello, on double bass. Photo by Aaron Bradetich.
UNT College of Music Regents Professor of Double Bass Jeff Bradetich records Bach's Cello Suite No. 4, written for a solo cello, on double bass. Photo by Aaron Bradetich.

DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The double bass is a large, imposing instrument. Typically standing six feet tall, the stringed instrument is commonly part of orchestras, jazz combos, and concert bands, and is featured in chamber music. But, it is seldom thought of as a top choice for solo performances. University of North Texas College of Music Regents Professor of Double Bass Jeff Bradetich is trying to change that perception.

"Some say the double bass is not a solo instrument," Bradetich said. "I say, 'Why not?' I want to give the double bass more credibility as a featured instrument on the concert stage."

Bradetich, who has been playing bass for 48 years, says he likes to "steal" music from other instruments and adapt it for the double bass.

"Every time you play a piece in a different way, you give different qualities to the music," Bradetich said. "Of course, I want good qualities, so I'm not going to play something if it's not a good fit. But, I shouldn't be shortchanged from playing great works because I play bass."

Thanks to this drive, he has received a grant to record two classical pieces for the first time ever on the double bass – Beethoven's Cello Sonata No. 2, which was originally played with a cello and fortepiano, and Bach's Cello Suite No. 4, written for a solo cello.

A video of the Bach performance was recorded in January for release by the end of the spring semester. He is particularly proud of this piece because he feels it shines a different light on the work.

"When playing this Bach arrangement with the double bass, I feel it works even better than with the cello because it captures the complete intent of that time period," Bradetich said.

For the Beethoven CD recording in April, he will be joined by Christophe Hammer, UNT adjunct professor, on the fortepiano – the same type of piano used by Beethoven. Bradetich says he has researched the music extensively and wants to replicate the sound as closely as possible. He says when playing this piece initially, Beethoven was joined by the best bass player of his day.

"I want people to get the music," Bradetich said. "I want it to be legitimate. It's not legitimate if it doesn't work. If it works, it works extremely well."

His other goal is to share these works with as many musicians as possible so that he can expand awareness and show that different interpretations can work.

"I'm hoping to inspire students," Bradetich said. "I want them to see that your instrument shouldn't limit you in the music you choose to play."

About the UNT College of Music

The College of Music is one of the largest and most respected comprehensive music schools in the world. Approximately 1,500 music students attend the college each year, participating in nearly 70 widely varied ensembles while engaged in specialized studies in performance, composition, conducting, jazz studies, music education, music history, music theory or ethnomusicology. Music students, alumni and faculty have made appearances on the world's finest stages, have produced numerous recordings with many receiving Grammy awards and nominations, and have written influential texts in a variety of areas in music scholarship. Distinguished University alumni can be found around the globe in top music ensembles, opera companies, universities, and schools.

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