1032: Stephen Tramontozzi on Basso Novo

Contrabass Conversations

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of Stephen Tramontozzi’s new solo double bass album, Basso Novo. Tramontozzi shares the three-fold mission behind the album: to uncover and bring to light underappreciated works for the double bass, to transcribe works from other instruments for the double bass, and to commission new works for the instrument.

This is his fourth and most ambitious recording project to date, with all tracks designed for solo double bass and featuring contemporary works. Among the highlights, Tramontozzi commissioned Larry Wolfe from the Boston Symphony Orchestra for a suite, “Blomidon Set,” inspired by Bach suites but adding a twist from Celtic, Scottish, Irish, and Acadian fiddler traditions.

An exciting addition to the album is “The Earth and Stars,” written by a talented composition student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, José Vargas. This piece, which Tramontozzi premiered in the previous year, stands out as the only track where he used his orchestra tuned bass.

The album also features other important works like “Ballade” by Ranjbaran, written for the 1999 International Society of Bassists solo competition, “Hommage a J.S. Bach” by Zbinden, and Berio’s short gem “Psy.” Join us as we explore the rich sounds and captivating stories behind Basso Novo.

Check out the sheet music for Blomidon Set here, and be sure to check out the latest album on Apple Music and Spotify!

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• theme music by Eric Hochberg