I know that there is only a one octave difference between a cello and a double bass that is tuned in fifths -- but wow, this instrument and this talented player is up there with YoYo Ma. It is not really about which is better, except that here there a strength and physicality to playing the double bass at this level. Coming back down to earth, I retuned my own double bass yesterday to fifths, and I must say, what a difference a day makes.
Quarringon is (to my mind) the best bassist in the world, and I use his 5th tuning (about which a lot more should be said online!). But there is NO note here that can't be played on cello. What's the point? Great virtuosity, but it's like watching an elephant ride a tricycle.
Transposed to A to suit the (tuned in fifths) instrument, and brilliantly arranged. (He sounds great too but that goes without saying!) Also seems to be using an ergobass.
What a phenomenal sound!!! Absolutely incredible playing. This is the best version I've ever heard of this suite played on the double bass. So incredibly beautiful !
Using his trademark fifths tuning, but transposed up to G. I suppose playing it in the original C would be too muddy. One way he manages fifths tuning is by spending very little time in first and second position where unavoidably you're shifting for almost every note. Up in fourth position, you're at cello string length and can play one finger per half step like cellists do. I could add that he sounds great but with him that goes with out saying!
Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my tired soul for restoring hope in the potential of the double bass, I have never heard such a clean piece of music ever before, the sound is beyond comprehension beautiful
