Catalin Rotaru, double bass - Mozart violin concerto no. 5 in A Major, K.219

at Symphony Hall (Romanian Atheneum) - Bucharest December 22, 2013
1. Allegro Aperto - Adagio - Allegro Aperto
2. Adagio 10:28
3. Rondo - Tempo di Minuetto 20:57

[@Munchylego]

This guy is a good human being as well as a brilliant musician. He was my jazz band director in undergrad and friend beyond that. He can fill halls as a solo bassist around the world, and he can sit down and have a beer with you. He can also sing Donna Lee in solfege!

[@ryanpham3308]

You are one lucky S.O.B. to have met and to have known this gift from heaven.

[@NiamC]

2:16 Wow!.. this just blew me away. Superb skills. Bravo!

[@ocdhopebmh]

Rotaru is perhaps the greatest double bassist alive. As a bassist myself, we have always bemoaned the lack of great solo literature for the instrument, Rotaru has blown that myth out of the water- the guy plays it all with jaw-dropping technical facility and complete musicality, Truly astonishing!

[@bassocat]

thanks for your kind comment! I am one of many others who are raising the bar and proving the solo potential of the bass. Happy Holidays!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat You arranged it for Double Bass by ear, I can't seem to find the sheet music for the Solo Violin part arranged for Bass cause you forgot to write it down on staff paper. I figured out I could play the Solo Violin part down an Octave on a 5 String Cello tuned C, G, D, A, E.

[@maveli]

With all my admiration, Catalin: one of the best 219 ever. Proud to have played with you! Hope happens again soon. Mauro

[@pedrooseiassilva4481]

Grande Catalin! Still have it in my memory when I watched you playing this live at USM along with many other fun pieces!

[@Innergameofmusic1]

Andres Martin said the same-when I start any recording or Catalan playing a transcription I think should be played on the bass-he plays it better than the original intended instrument! Absolutely insane! Musical beyond words and transcends technical challenges-! Few people in world history of the bass who can pull this off! Yes-even a recording on the iPhone -it becomes uninterrupted infectious listening and musically beyond fulfilling! Bravo Catalan! Can’t stop listening to this giant of the bass and music!

[@bassocat]

My dear Barry, Thank you so much for your very kind words! This is the best reward any musician performer can get..... Happy holidays to you and a healthy and prosperous New Year! 🤗

[@theodorewhite9435]

Awesome! Hearing & watching you play proves that we basses can play anything with the right foundational skills of both hands & lots of listening & watching. Thanks, thanks!

[@artfuldodger4850]

Couldn’t think of any piece by Mozart he wrote for the Double Bass until YT showed me this transcription. Brilliant

[@therussmeister]

Mozart wrote an aria for solo double bass and voice, "Per Questa Bella Mano" K 612. I particularly like the video of this by Thomas Quastoff.

[@artfuldodger4850]

@@therussmeister Thank you for your comment. I found the video you suggested. I am quite well acquainted with much of Mozart’s orchestral and instrumental works, but very sadly ignorant when it comes to his vocal output. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, enhanced because work for the solo double bass is lacking. Thank you again for suggesting it.

[@SlawomirMarzec]

It is a very important step on the double bass technic development. Congratulations!. It is the only version of this concerto I will consider to listen from now on. It sounds two octaves lower then Mozart intended so the difficulties are increased. Exemplar, didactic, and almost philosophical interpretation. It is not about the "scordatura" and it is not played on the piccolo bass with convenient strings tuning. Thank you Master and leader of all the double bass classical soloists of the world.

[@bassocat]

Many thanks Mr. Marzec for your kind comment! We all try to show the true and almost unlimited potential of the bass as a solo instrument. Happy Holidays!

Bravo Catalin! I agree with Mr. Matzec, you give an example for geneations to come! thank you for clearing new works from the great composers and prove that they can be played perfectly, with a beautiful sound, musical, and this makes grow the db from orchestra as the F1 race does for the normal cars... :-)))

[@bassocat]

Thierry Barbé thanks Thierry!!! You and I are in the same F1 car full speed ahead :-)

***** :-)...

[@klimentmilanov]

I agree at how amazing this is, but do you even know what interpretation means? How could you call this a philosophical interpretation, he did not take any existential, metaphysical, epistemological approach to this piece; he played it like any player would. Clearly you've never listened to Hillary Hahn's interpretation, in fact given that this piece has a standard interpretation (except that cadenza was one of a kind!), you've probably never heard this piece from various performers. I understand that you enjoyed this piece (I enjoyed it as well!!) but I strongly disagree about your opinion on the interpretation and I'm thinking you likely are sugar-coating

[@stevek2340]

Amazing. I never knew this transcription existed. Thank you for posting.

[@lunaticgyoza]

How amazing a violin concerto well played in a doublebass. 👌🏽

[@bassowagner]

Amazing performance (as always)!!! I'm looking forward to see you next year at the Sperger Competition.

[@АнастасияКоршунова-м3ш]

Сказочный звук 😻 прекрасный инструмент . И великолепный исполнитель !

[@AndresMartin]

damm Catalin, always the same thing with you!! I just can´t "Start" viewing your videos... because when I do I end up "glued" to the computer watchin the whole thing and then watching again trying to guess how you did it!!!! This its just amazing... increidble good interpretation, wonderful recording and sound... Too sad that Mozart didn´t met you in the past! Big congrats again, maestro!!!

[@ericreed8113]

La sola diferencia entre tú y yo, Martín, es que, faltando la menor habilidad en tocar cualquier instrumento, nunca me pregunto trantando de adivinar cómo él lo hace. Nomás doy gracias que sí lo hace! Y que haya tipos como tí, que imagino saquen aún más placer que yo, por poder escuchar más profundamente. Sarvamangalam!

[@内海芳宏-q1k]

Fantastic dear Maestro !!!

[@Bostaph]

This is absolutely incredible! Really inspiring! Felicitari si spor!

[@DityaSangGita]

I've just searched YT to see if there is an arrangement of a violin concerto for cello or double bass, and I found this video in which you perform this Mozart violin concerto. I am just blown away, your playing made me think I would enjoy those melodies played rather on low voice than on the high pitched violin sound. The bass sounds so humble yet magnifico! Bravo!

[@bassocat]

thank you so much, I'm truly glad you enjoyed it! The double bass is an instrument with infinite solo capabilities

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat Playing Violin or Cello Concertos on the Double Bass would be easier if you restring it with Fifths Tuning Strings and Fifths tuning on a Double Bass is the same as Cello but an Octave lower. The advantage to Fifths tuning on a Double bass is that it broadens the range, and it also solves lots of intonation issues.

[@theodorewhite9435]

Once again, thanks for teaching me what the bass can do--awesome!

[@SabinLaviniuPenea]

Great artist, it was a pleasure and an honour to play along side him !

[@bassocat]

Sabin, thanks for your wonderful playing and professionalism during our collaboration in Bucharest!!!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat I imagine if you String the Bass up with Fifths Tuning Strings (C, G, D, A) not only will the Bass have better intonation with the rest of the String Section but it's also very melodic so you canactuallly play by reading off from Cello Sheet Music. In this case Mozart's 5th Violin Concerto in A Major transcribed for Cello so you can play with the same fingerings on the 5ths tuned bass and it'll sound an Octave lower.

[@MrInterestingthings]

oNE OF MY FAVE VIOLIN CONCERTI. I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW WONDERFUL HE SOUNDS ! i'M ECSTATIC. THE INTERVALS ARE SO FAR AWAY ON THE DBL BASS.hOW CAN IT BE POSSIBLE.aND HE KEEPS THE mOZARTEAN grace and style1 Phenmenal.I was looking doe music of Donatoni and Frank Proto who has written many bass concerti and lucked up on this 18th century treasure. Marvelous. Im gonna write a double bass concerto now just stared a harpsichord concerto. Hopefully it will show what Ive learbed from Elliott Carter

[@bassocat]

thanks for your kind words :)

[@jdstep97]

I know. It is hard to believe how he can just go up and down the strings like that. I am a 40 something just learning to play cello. One day maybe I can play half as good.

[@MohamedGehmi]

what a sound! what a player! this is great ... supergreat!! SUPER CATALIN :) wow

[@bassocat]

thanks Mohamed, I am happy you liked it :)

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat I can't even find the Sheet music for the Solo Double Bass part (Alternative to Solo Violin) because the Double bass version isn't played by many musicians. I think this might be perfect for Garry Karr.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat I can't even find the Sheet music for the Solo Double Bass part (Alternative to Solo Violin) because the Double bass version isn't played by many musicians. I think this might be perfect for Garry Karr.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat I can't even find the Sheet music for the Solo Double Bass part (Alternative to Solo Violin) because the Double bass version isn't played by many musicians. I think this might be perfect for Garry Karr.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat I can't even find the Sheet music for the Solo Double Bass part (Alternative to Solo Violin) because the Double bass version isn't played by many musicians. I think this might be perfect for Garry Karr.

[@MrInterestingthings]

i cant wait to hear his cadenza.I hpe he composed his own.What brilliance!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

It's a Joachim Cadenza arranged for Double Bass by Katalin Rotaru

[@Pet471028]

When I have heard this number from Anne-Sophie Mutter, just a half an hour ago, I feel like as if I would be a young adoult, full with hope, trusting in the future, now - listening to your music, I feel like as an elderly man, who thinks, that the end is near and I'm crying. That's the life. Thank you, you are perfect.

[@bassocat]

thanks for your thoughtful comment :) Best wishes to you!

[@Pet471028]

***** I would like to hear you personally in Hungary. Best regards.

[@bassocat]

Pet471028 I would love to visit again Hungary, so if I get an invitation I would be honored :)

[@kaikessler3661]

Unfassbar, unglaublich, unbegreifbar...und so schön gespielt!

[@MrInterestingthings]

I can't get enough of this !!! I think if mozart heard this hed say the turkish music makes even more sense this way and he would write sonatas and concerti and more quintets with double bass and more interesdting bass in the symphonies. All of music history changed because of instruments and composers ideas .think how things would be in music NOW ? ! ! Finally started my double bass concerto . This reminded me of the possibilities and the Proto works are great music. the cadenza has me screaming in my house. no triple stops on double bass? I want glissandi in double notes. I must come up with new sounds. I have some serious thinking to do. the orchestra sounds very good here probably just the right sound instead of typical large orchestras of today . textures clear so fitting. what does a single note tremolo sound like on db. your trills wonderful here. its no trick it is still beautiful music the slow movement sounds better at this octave!!!

[@JDeffenb]

He exuberates a confidence even some top soloists don't. It's probably because he's a professor and works with students on their confidence.

[@shawnmarko7131]

Love the applause after the first movement.

[@lebu2006]

Sooo beautiful, bravooo Catalin, you inspiring

[@duett445]

Amazing skill, amazing technique , amazing musicianship. I played base years ago and know how hard it is to play like this, very few manage to master it to this level . Truly fantastic thanks for sharing your playing with us.

[@bassocat]

Thank you so much for your very kind words and for listening! 🙏

[@CanalPisco]

Awesome! The soloist and the orchestra!

[@BartoszSikorski]

Fantastic, bravo!

[@deldresser]

Bravissimo, Catalin!!!

[@bassocat]

many thanks Mark!!!

[@iksermijares]

Maravilloso master

[@danielscheinhaus5210]

What a wonderful performance!

[@sanmile0407]

master. you are the best of best I will some day take be a masterclass whith you saludos from Colombia

[@rustemgabdullin44]

Bravo, Catalin!

[@bassocat]

Thanks Rustem, I hope to see you in May :)

[@ezequielcamacho5956]

1:40 Thumb vibrato 😍🤩

[@hildegerdhaugen7864]

Wow!! Amazing!

[@origenak5495]

Eso no es un contrabajo !!! es una obra de arte !!! ¡¡¡ Qué maravilla !!!

[@bassocat]

Origen AK muchas gracias 😊

[@leejaicook8678]

7-17-2016. Roaring Springs, Texas USA. Remarkable!

[@Dogaradodia]

Certifié intergalactique ! Nouvelles fraîches toucher ! J'adore !

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

7:56 1'st Movment Cadenza by Joseph Joachim transcribed for Double Bass by Catalin Rotaru

[@lucato701]

It's WOU, i can't explain how beautiful is the interpretacion!

[@DavidDalyDoubleBass]

Bravo maestro!

[@janburger8299]

beautiful!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Sounds like the Bass is strung with Solo Strings which are lighter gauge then standard strings which allows them to be tuned up a step w/o any issues.

[@strictlystrings4ever]

what i would give to see this performed live!!!

[@theodorewhite164]

As you know, I listen to you a lot. Your technical prowess speaks for itself, however did you study with a violinist? The intonation of your double stops are amazing. What kind of bass are you playing? What strings are you using and what tuning are you using? The efficiency and sound of the bow are unsurpassed and the left hand is that of a great violinist.

[@bassocat]

Many thanks for your kind words! I'll try to answer some of your questions. No, I've never worked on the piece with any violinist but just simply listened to some good recordings. The instrument is actually a very new double bass and the tuning I'm using is normal solo tuning, nothing special. I'm using Pirastro on the upper strings and Thomastik on the lower. Thanks again for listening and best wishes!

[@paulmartinez594]

damn! it's already difficult in the violin, this is craaaazy

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

It's so much easier on the Bass Violin

[@Mr_Firebird]

Very nice!!! I would like to try that bass :)

[@jdstep97]

I am an adult just learning the cello. It's not easy, because you have to learn from practice, practice, practice where your fingers go on those strings. I played flute and clarinet. At least with those instruments, you knew which keys to push. It was a matter of having your mouth correct. But the cello. You just have to get a sense of what part of the string(s) your finger should press to get the right note. But it's worth the effort I think.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@jdstep97 You can actully tune the Double Bass in Fifths with Obligato Fifths tuned Double Bass Strings this way as a Cellist you can actually pick up the Double Bass and play it.

[@lipotauer]

Fantastic !!! BRAVO !

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

19:13 2'nd Movment Cadenza by Joseph Joachim arr for Double Bass by Catalin Rotaru

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Astonishingly good.

[@petercornea7679]

Catalin - from way up in Heaven - Mozart must be smiling at you ...

[@bassocat]

Haha, I certainly hope so 😊

[@kaikeler7062]

Unglaublich!!!

[@coolcool2521]

Отличное исполнение! Спасибо!

[@lookbacktime9422]

Magnifique !!!

[@JDeffenb]

Anyone else notice the tailpiece on that base? Never seen one like it!

[@Kyle-ur4mr]

JDeffenb1018 made by Luciano Golia, who also made the bass

[@RodolfoLimacbx]

15:46 ...!! Thanks Mozart, thanks Catalin, thanks Golia! Hahaha

[@bassocat]

:)

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat The Solo Double Bass part (Alternative to Violin) is in the Tenor Clef key G major.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat The Solo Double Bass part (Alternative to Violin) is in the Tenor Clef key G major.

[@iamaslina]

the most sacreligious violin ever :)

[@konstantinosstavroualevras9808]

Excelent, great. I am most impressed. Congratulations, Maestro! It is a severe oversight though not mentioning the orchestra. I searched a lot with Google and found nothing. Could anyone fill in this most important information, please?

[@bassocat]

Thank you so much for taking time to listen! About the orchestra, they are mostly my friends and former colleagues currently playing with major symphony orchestras in Bucharest. I simply asked them to play with me this concert 😊 Best wishes to you!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat You might wanna use an Arcus French Bass Bow someday:www.arcus-muesing.de/en/products/bassbows.html

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat You might wanna use an Arcus French Bass Bow someday:www.arcus-muesing.de/en/products/bassbows.html

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat You might wanna use an Arcus French Bass Bow someday:www.arcus-muesing.de/en/products/bassbows.html

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat You were playing in a Tenor Clef Key G major. I know how you arranged it for Double Bass. Didn't you listen to the original Violin version just before arranging it for Double Bass?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@UC1l30YP6nyJdnlQXFavFaWA I've played it on a Double Bass by re-stringing it in Fifths tuning so I can play the Solo Violin part down 2 Octaves more easily.

[@mauricioromero94110]

ESpectacular! bravO

[@69srki]

Bravo !!!

[@joseaponte326]

Excelente! Felicitaciones maestro Catalin!!!

[@VitoLiuzzi]

GREAT!!

[@VitoLiuzzi]

GRANDISSIMO!!

[@bassocat]

Grazie Maestro :)

[@eliseoborrerobass]

Bravo!

[@richardjessbrown]

BRAVO, interesting use of thumb.

[@nicolassetnarsky8555]

my teacher would kill me if she saw me beating the foot while playing a solo LOL

[@oleksandrnovytsky3924]

Best!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Catalin Rotaru 7:56 Which cadenza is this & is there a Violin version of that cadenza?

[@bassocat]

Both cadenzas are the violin cadenzas written by Joachim; they are standard and you can find them in most violin editions

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat I could call it the Joachim Rotaru cadenza cause it's the Joachim Violin candenza arranged for Double Bass. Since when did you learn to play Mozart's 5'th Violin Concerto on the Bass Violin? The Solo Tuned Bass has the same range as a Violin but 2 Octaves lower.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat How did you teach your self to play the Joachim Cadenzas to Mozart's 5'th Violin Concerto on the Bass?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat So you actually arranged them for the Double Bass.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat Joachim Cadenzas played on the Double Bass, I couldn't recongnize them the 1'st time cause they were being played down 2 Octaves. Playing Violin Concertos on the Double Bass would be easier if you restring it with Fifths Tuning Strings (C, G, D, A) same as a Cello but an Octave Lower. The advantage of Fifths tuning on the Double Bass is that it both Broadens the range, and solves lots of intonation issues.

[@jbobsession123]

i wish i could play like that

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I think it takes practice to be able to learn the Mozart Violin Concertos on the Bass Violin.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I think it takes practice to be able to learn the Mozart Violin Concertos on the Bass Violin.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

You might need a 5 String Double Bass Strung up with Fifths Tuning Strings plus a High E so that way you can read off the Violin sheet music and it'll sound 2 Octaves lower than written.

[@JeanClaudeWelche]

Alors là !!!

[@DiggOlive]

wow

[@iamaslina]

we need twoset here

[@hmongghoststoriesinthedark]

That wrist. Wing. Wing.

[@dr05guitar]

what is the tuning here?

[@bassocat]

just normal solo tuning: A-E-B-F#

[@dr05guitar]

ok thanks... very moving performance, thank you.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@bassocat It's a whole step above E Standard Tuning cause the Solo Tuning Strings are thinner than regular Strings. Those are Johann Kim Cadenzas but I couldn't recognize them cause they were being played down 2 Octaves. You could try Fifths Tuning Strings (C, G, D, A) an Octave below the Cello cause it'll make playing Cello Concertos alot simpler. Fifths tuning will also solve intonation issues on your Bass.

[@byronriveiro2179]

I bet this guy could crack chestnuts with his finger tips.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Catalin Rotaru I'd rather play this on a Five String Double Bass tuned in Fifths so that way the Solo Violin part would sound 2 Octaves lower than written.

[@artfuldodger4850]

CircuitsAndStrings 2 Mr Stern Very sadly I haven’t a clue what you mean, but if you have taken the time to write your comment and nobody has argued against it, I would love to hear it to have a comparison.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@artfuldodger4850 I found out I heard that the 5Bass sounded more like a Violin tuned down 2 Octaves so it sounds more natural.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@artfuldodger4850 What I mean by that is there's a special Double Bass that has 5 Strings tuned in Fifths and can cover any Violin Sheet Music sounding 2 Octaves lower than written and it's called 5Bass (Tomya Aromi plays the 5Bass).

[@artfuldodger4850]

CircuitsAndStrings 2 Mr Stern Thank you for the explanation, never too old to learn something new.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@artfuldodger4850 A 5 String Double Bass tuned in Fifths can cover any Violin Sheet Music down 2 Octaves

[@tuesdaytaco829]

这才叫古典和流行相结合

[@sergeicherkes]

What tuning did you use? Solo? A E B F# ?

[@bassocat]

correct :-)

[@sergeicherkes]

Thx for so fast answer. Like your perfomances. Im trying to get some features of your style) as much as Rinat Ibrahimov's style and Gary Karr's style) You are all masters of bass but so different. Thank you once more for your job. Best wishes from Ukraine. A lot of students and teachers loves you here.

[@bassocat]

+Sergei Cherkes great, good luck to you and much love from me to all of you in Ukraine :-)

[@87areeves87]

Dat cadenza tho 19:52

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Joachim Cadenza transcribed for Bass

[@vladislavsheer1977]

!!!

[@cfhcxfcd756]

더블베이스 연주 라니 !

[@caiusrosarum8443]

Impressive, how the hands go in the right place so quickly.. This way of playing near the perfection, makes me laugh for happiness 😂😬

[@ЖЗЛ-э4ь]

20:58

[@EldenGuy]

*sees soloist sitting with a "double bass"* YOU CAN SIT IN A CHAIR WITH THOSE??? ITS ALMOST AS SMALL AS A CELLO! Then I remembered that we have different sized stringed instruments for reasons.

[@remixuereb]

C'est un deux tiers contrebasse , entre le violoncelle mais qui sonne d'avantage contrebasse .C'est bien ainsi d'avoir un interprète original de qualité.

[@jdstep97]

That makes sense. I thought there were double basses that were bigger. But the one he has in this video is so beautiful, an absolutely beautiful instrument.

[@bassocat]

just wanted to say.... this is a normal size bass :-)

[@jdstep97]

***** Thanks. I guess I can't tell (bad sense of perception) with the instrumentalist sitting down. You're awesome, regardless!

[@joedante95]

A concert like this... performed at an incredible level.... and you cris G. are speaking about the dimensions of the bass and a chair....American level of culture equal to zero.....

[@noyemimailyan6313]

Woww o.O *_*

[@aaronwhite353]

I love his ridiculous hair! he finally cut it

[@aaronwhite353]

fantastic playing!!

[@0zzmarXTv]

Amazing!!! do you have the score ?

[@bassocat]

+Ozmar Barraza I just used the violin part :-)

[@kazmkanat7431]

Dayı aşmış yeminlen

[@johnstarplsgrostrongjack4070]

in my.opinienbthe orcestrasounds to strong

[@iamaslina]

ling ling of the double bass

[@JDeffenb]

This may be the first time an orchestra has ever followed a bass 😂

[@rimmausmanova5674]

PAGANINI DOUBLE BASS

[@ricex2]

W T F didnt know a bass can do that O_O

[@bassocat]

now you know.... :) I'm glad you liked it!

[@highway788]

@ricex2 Basses don't do anything. Have you ever heard a bass (or any instrument for that matter) play itself? It's the people who play them :)

[@iamaslina]

should've played this at double speed, swapped hands, dancing

[@stepaushi]

20:24 audience 🙄

[@violinbuff3782]

Remarkable bass playing! My only comment would be not to play with standard orchestration. Fewer strings perhaps play w strings leaving out winds who overpower. In spite of beautiful playing, bass does not cut through as dies violin. But Bravo for such playing....My late great father Oscar Shumsky has a very great recording on KZbin which I think will inspire! Eric Shumsky

[@GretaGlass]

Truly beautiful!