University of Nebraska-Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music’s Hans Sturm plans on performing a set of lesser known and rarely heard unaccompanied works for bass by legendary artist-teacher François Rabbath on Friday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Westbrook Recital Hall.
Several of these pieces require mastery of Rabbath’s innovative techniques and variations on violin techniques in order to perform them as he intends. These include older works featuring flying jéte (Ordis) and bariolage (Thantos) and newer pieces that require double trills (Chasse a Cour), and finger extensions (L’Infinite Martine).
Double bassist Sturm has performed as soloist, chamber, orchestral, jazz and improvisational musician throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, Africa and the United States. Sturm received his doctorate from Northwestern University and, prior to his appointment to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, was professor of double bass and jazz studies and coordinator of the string department at Ball State University for seventeen years, now professor emeritus.
Inspired by his work with international artist-teacher François Rabbath, Sturm developed, designed, and produced two state-of-the-art DVD projects, The Art of the Bow (2005) and The Art of the Left Hand (2010). Both DVDs employ the same advanced technology found in films such as Avatar and Lord of the Rings to create a pedagogical method, incorporating 3D biomechanics animations with user-selectable camera angles, live performances, interviews, and lecture demonstrations. They have been described in Strings Magazine as “revolutionary… the most profound teaching tool I’ve seen.” The Strad called the DVDs “fascinating… whether you are a keen amateur or a serious professional, no bass player’s education is complete without having experienced Rabbath’s demonstrations.”
Hans Sturm is a past president of the International Society of Bassists and has served on the organization’s board of directors for over twelve years.
The performance will also be live Webcast. Visit music.unl.edu for the direct link the night of the performance. The recital is free and open to the public