Classics in Context: Beethoven and the Bass Connection
Online // Monday, Jan 1, 12am ET
Professor David Murray:
Beethoven and the Bass Connection
Free through Zoom!
Celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a presentation by internationally recognized principal bassist David Murray.
Professor Murray will explore the relationship between Beethoven and virtuoso bassist Domenico Dragonetti. Though not close friends, they did play one of Beethoven’s cello sonatas together, and the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony begins with a recitative for cello and bass – which is said to have been played solo at the premiere by Dragonetti!
Murray also will provide a general analysis of the Ninth Symphony and discuss Beethoven’s symphonic development leading up to the celebrated composition. As a bonus, Murray will perform an excerpt of the recitative on his bass.
The program will conclude with an opportunity to ask questions of Professor Murray.
About the presenter
David Murray, Professor of Bass and Director of the School of Music at Butler University, has an international reputation as a solo bassist and teacher. He is also principal bassist of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and Sinfonia da Camera in Urbana, Illinois. He won the 1980 Aspen Concerto Competition and the 1988 International Society of Bassists (ISB) Solo Competition, earning a solo debut at Carnegie Hall. He is a past president of the ISB and is currently secretary of its Board of Directors. Murray has performed as soloist and given clinics and masterclasses throughout North America, Europe, Brazil, South Korea and Israel. He has recorded three solo CDs and a DVD.
