by Vladimir Bernstein '10
The International Society of Bass Players Convention at Oklahoma City University opened my eyes to the unexpectedly diverse and extremely friendly bass community. ISB President Hans Sturm coined the phrase “bass love,” a term that represented the warm and inviting feeling that everyone at the convention experienced. During that life changing week, I truly felt the bass love each day and I was inspired to be a better bassist and musician.
While I stayed at the university during that week, I attended more jaw-dropping performances than I could have imagined. I used every opportunity I could between rehearsals for the Young Bass Program and my small ensemble group to attend the recitals held by many brilliant musicians. Miloslav Jelinek’s afternoon performance left me leaning back in my seat, amazed by his masterful facility on the bass. He played devilishly fast pieces and exciting rustic Eastern European tunes.
I also enjoyed Peter Askim’s recital. His contemporary pieces, such as “Edge,” the required piece for the 2003 ISB Solo Competition, broadened my musical horizons by exposing me to a completely unfamiliar style of bass composition and performance. As a member of the Iolani Concert Orchestra, the orchestra which debuted his double bass concerto “Islands,” I especially enjoyed the version with piano accompaniment, and I was impressed with his composing and arranging abilities. One of my favorite afternoon performances was of the Austrian bass sextet Bass Instinct. Composed of Austrian bass players who are either freelance musicians or members of orchestras in Austria, Bass Instinct used chopsticks and clothespins to create odd percussive sounds which they used to play original compositions that showcased their impeccable ensemble while sounding fun and whimsical. Once all of the Young Bassist classes were over and the showrooms had closed for the day, everyone at the convention looked forward to the downright bombastic evening concerts in Kirkpatrick Theatre.
The performances alone were reason enough to be in Oklahoma City for ISB. Each night’s fantastic mix of classical and jazz turned me on to many excellent artists such as Renaud Garcia-Fons and Kiku Ruiz, Avishai Cohen, and Stanley Clark. I was blown away many times over by the likes of Joel Quarrington, whose breathtaking performance of Gliere’s Suite showed off some of the fastest flying fingers I have ever witnessed. I will never forget Jeff Bradetich’s concert; his performance, especially his rendition of Astor Piazolla’s Contrabajeando, nor will I forget Ed Barker’s beautiful performance of Bach’s Second Cello Suite at cello pitch. Simply put, there was never a dull moment for me at the ISB Convention.
When I was not hard at work rehearsing or catching any of the great performances, I was down in one of the many vast showrooms trying out the instruments and bows of all of the luthiers. The first time I visited one of the showrooms, I was astounded; inside of the cavernous hall were dozens of basses propped up on display by their proud makers and tables filled with unique bows and clever bass accessories. I was thrilled, but timid to try anything out. However, a very nice man working at one of the booths noticed that I was eyeing a bass and asked if I wanted to try it. After that first trial, I was eager to grab an interesting bass and a German bow and just play, both enjoying the instrument and learning about the subtle differences in feel and tone that instruments possess. No matter what the age or cost of the instrument, I was invited to play every bass there, ranging from a few thousand dollars to $140,000. I also spent a good deal of time with my teacher trying out potential German bows and I had fun describing the different textures each bow created. I did not buy any instruments or bows, but just exploring all of the booths was a rewarding experience on its own.
Each day for me at the ISB Convention was a new adventure, a chance to become better at my instrument and to hear masters play it. I made so many cool bass player friends there that are definitely some of the quirkiest and funniest people I know, and I look forward to getting back together with them at the next convention. My friends and I cannot wait to come back to the convention to hear another set of quirky sailor songs and perhaps another private late night concert from the “Pirate Captain” Dean Farell, a huge hit among the young bassists. As a young bass player, not sure whether or not I will pursue music as a career just yet, I cannot say how much fun and inspiration my week in Oklahoma has given me, from hearing the world’s best on stage playing together, to trying out three hundred year-old basses, to late night pizza runs with my dorm-mates. Even if I choose a different career than music, the encouragement that I received from the performers and presenters to continue to play the bass made a profound impact on me.
Young bass players everywhere should all attend next year’s convention in Pennsylvania, which is sure to be another great gathering. I will cherish the knowledge and memories I have acquired from the 2007 ISB Convention.
