Viennese Bass Method - Lesson 8.
Lesson 8. - Thumb Position: Double Stops
A variety of double and triple stops if often encountered in the Viennese thumb position register, so it is necessary to demonstrate their use too. These stops are often configured in a formulaic pattern, so once the basic fingerings are learned these patterns can be applied to almost any composition that features them. In that respect they are actually easier to decipher and execute than the double stops on the modern bass. Here we will introduce this material gradually and also demonstrate their real application on period examples.
It is important to note that the double stops are used on all four strings and it may be of help if the fingerboard is set to allow easy execution on the lower two strings in the thumb position. The famous Mozart's aria "Per Questa Bella Mano" is a prime example of such a double stop use and we will cover its opening measures here too. In regard to the notation practice, you will notice that all strings and fingerings are indicated in "bottom to top" hierarchy, sometimes necessitating many markings that may appear somewhat overwhelming. However the performing reality is far more simple once the basics are understood. Since most of the material presented here is intended solely for the thumb position, there is hardly any shifting and that convenience should simplify the matter greatly.
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Posted: October 5, 2009