On a beautiful afternoon, let's rediscover a long forgotten instrument :

The Viennese Bass!

This breathtaking instrument had its hour of glory around 1760, at the height of classicism. Composers such as Hoffmeister, Dittersdorf, Sperger and, last but not least, Mozart wrote pages of undeniable beauty for this elephant with the voice of a songbird. Its particular tuning (Fa-La-Re-Fa#-La) allows for melodic as well as harmonic playing, making it a versatile instrument in virtuoso solo pieces ranging from the depths of the bass register to the heights of the violin, as well as an agile protagonist of chamber music in a variety of ensembles.

This first solo album is the story of an unexpected encounter...

Four years ago, I had the privilege of finding myself immersed in the study of music on historical instruments and thus discovered the existence of the Viennese Double Bass - a young lady played and applauded in the Viennese salons of the time. For the first time, my instrument began to resonate in a totally unexpected and natural way. The musical passages, now played as they were meant to be, became logical in my hand and began to sound much crisper and more articulate. The music began to shine like never before.

Without any hesitation, I left to study the Viennese double bass at the Schola Cantorum in Basel, where I had access to original manuscripts and advice from renowned teachers and soloists.

In this album, I would simply like to share with you my love for this music and this new instrument! As at that time, make yourself comfortable in your living room and enjoy some of these most beautiful pieces, fresh, mixing colors and contrasts.

A project surrounded by exceptional musicians but above all by friends.

Patrick Oliva, violin - Martha Moore, violin - Jean Philippe Gandit, viola - Ronan Kernoa, cello

Together, we have scheduled a charged week of recording from October 11th to 18th this Autumn at the SOUNDRESPECT STUDIO in Braine l'Alleud. On the program, a quartet with double bass solo by Hoffmeister, a duo for viola and double bass by Dittersdorf and the last and most passionate of Sperger's concerti.

Browse through our repertoire and enjoy!

As soon as the current situation improves, our Facebook page will invite you to our future concerts ;-)

A Viennese Afternoon - Isaline Leloup - Ier Album