How to Play Rossini “La Gazza Ladra” | Joseph Conyers, Double bass

Rossini’s “La Gazza Ladra,” or “The Thieving Magpie” in English, is a two-act opera that’s most known for its overture. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s upcoming virtual season will include the overture in one of our programs.
In a previous video, I talked about how I choose excerpts for my Instagram posts and mentioned that I usually pick excerpts from music I am playing at work. Now that the orchestra is playing again, I have material to pick from for my videos.
Though Rossini is categorized as a romantic composer, a lot of his works sound classical in style and air on the side of Mozartian rather than Wagnerian. This will affect the way you interpret the excerpt.
His music generally has a sense of lightness, buoyancy, jubilance, etc. This all informs how I phrase and shape the music.
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[@patrickjester]

I love watching your videos! I am an electric bassist in my 50s aspiring to become a double bassist. Your videos inspire me to continue my pursuit!

[@DwainRichardson]

I’m not a double bass player, but your explanations and illustrations of phrasing surely make sense. And you are correct: Rossini is not Mahler or Rachmaninoff. It’s important to think light, even though Rossini’s music can be dramatic. Wonderful explanations and great playing. Bravo! 👏👏👏

[@cherinamastrantones1805]

Brooklyn Symphony is performing this in a couple of weeks. Great to share your tips with the section. Thanks so much.

[@ibassnote]

So useful to just watch you navigate passages.

[@lindaperagine5453]

So helpful!

[@Juggnot]

Very nice. I'm thinking about getting back into playing the Bass.

[@dr05guitar]

Excellent playing, love hearing those fast runs played so well!

[@Billypopfinger]

I’m so glad you did a video on la gazza ladra this was so helpful

[@michmitchi4369]

Selective and deep sound, bravo!and thank you for the patent on triplets💪😉

[@markhaynes203]

Beautiful. Can you do Beethoven 5th symphony 3rd movement trio.

[@arrapippol3741]

Hey Joseph, love your work. One question I have, what did you mean at the end when you said you "sounded orchestral"? This is an orchestral piece, not a concerto, shouldn't that be the goal, or is "orchestral" a nice way of saying bland?