AN APPROACH TO & ART OF BASS-LINE PLAYING

The group of string instruments belonging to the “basso continuo” of the 17th and 18th centuries was both numerous and varied. Throughout the baroque era this group of instruments, more than any other, experienced a continuous evolution, furnishing the “basso continuo” sound – the fundament of the language of baroque music – with a rich variety of colour, texture and depth.

Even though they were used to a certain extant as solo instruments, the principal role of the bass bows instruments was undoubtedly that of pillars of the “basso continuo”. Sadly however today very little attention, if any, is given to this crucial aspect of their function.

After decades of experience performing with the leading baroque ensembles of Europe, James Munro have evolved my own approach to, or art of bass-line playing – employing a highly developed technique, both instrumentally and pedagogically, in both understanding and performing (on whichever bass-line instrument) the role of “basso continuo” to its fullest and richest potential.

Although his instrumental specialisation is that of the violone and double bass, the wider group of the “basso continuo” of course comprises numerous other instruments (violoncello, bassoon, etc.) and the art of bass-line playing is naturally an approach to understanding and performing appropriate to all members of the “basso continuo” group.