A thorough and informed study of historical bass instruments is by nature a broad and varied undertaking. From the earlier tunings of the 8’ Violone (in G or in A), to the 16’ Violone (tuned either in D or in fourths), to the 5-string Viennese Bass (with its very specific tuning), to the 3-string Bass (variously tuned), to both the underhand and overhand bow-hold,... these are all variants of the wider historical bass instrumentarium, all of which I have incorporated within my performing profession, and which I provide as guidance during the course of studies at the conservatoire.
Each student arrives with their own history, profile and preferences and my initial aim is to accommodate the wishes of each individual. At the same time I encourage a broad experience of the “unfamiliar“ - instruments of different tunings, varying historical bows, etc. - in order to approach the historical context of bass instrument players of the baroque era, where “adaptability“ was the order of the day.
The role of all instruments of the basso continuo section is of course an utterly essential element within the musical language of the baroque era. Whatsmore, given the importance of the polyphonic tradition within the baroque language, an essential element of historical double bass and violone course is the regular Bass Consort classes I coordinate. These provide an important opportunity for all bass instrument players to hone their chamber music skills and understanding of counterpoint. An intuitive understanding of harmony, in addition to its contextual application and execution on any given instrument, is paramount to a thorough training in the field of early music. This very aspect of the art of bassline-playing takes a fundamental place in my approach to “skills-transmission“, as important (if not more so!) as the sheer technical mastery of one’s chosen instrument, however essential that may be.
The Conservatoire offers Bachelor and Masters courses in Violone, and Baroque and Classical Contrabass, within the department of Early Music. The Bachelor course consists of three years, while the Masters course lasts two years.
The Bachelor course focuses on playing the historical bass. Students develop a fine understanding of the different styles from the Renaissance to the classical period, and the situations as related to playing in a consort, basso continuo, or as a soloist. This process happens in relation to the courses in applied theory taught within the Early Music department, helping students to gain a comprehensive training in artistic, practical and theoretical skills alongside general and cultural skills.
Alongside the weekly group and individual, instrumental and chamber music classes, each year students also participate in projects organised by the department (colloquia, concerts, seminars, orchestra sessions, conferences). The training also includes classes in reading, theory, and writing, and Bachelor students thus receive a solid musical, cultural and general training which gives them a good overview of all practices related to the historic bass.
Students can then build on this solid foundation during the Masters programme, allowing them to further develop their specific approach to their instrumental and artistic work, in particular work as a soloist. This culminates in the realisation of a personal artistic project at the end of their studies. During this second cycle, or Masters programme, chamber music grows in importance, and leads students to develop links to the professional world (concerts, recordings...). Students regularly take part in ambitious projects, thanks to the artistic partnerships of the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles.