Bass Around the World #14: A Few Tips From Mozart
Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart was one of the finest examples of what it means to be a prodigy child. You know it is something truly unique when another musical genius, as Joseph Haydn was, says about you: "Posterity will not see such a talent again in 100 years".
Mozart composed from the age of five while performing before European royalty and basically touring the continent extensively throughout his childhood. His frantic life and composition efficiency resulted in more than 600 works of the symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral repertoire. Mozart died in his home in Vienna on 5 December 1791 at the young age of 35. Despite his modest funeral arrangements and few mourners attending his burial, including Salieri, his fame rose substantially after his death. He became a true rockstar of the classical world.
Lesson time
Our inspiration from Mozart will be represented by a famous piece called the Turkish March, which is the last movement of his Piano Sonata No.11 in A major.
We’re playing a 4-string bass adaptation with a focus on executing the beautiful dynamics and flow of the melody.
Notice the minor-major changes in the music themes. Mozart is so playful and you can feel the joy he had while playing or composing such a piece.
Turkish March consists of four main melodic themes which follow each other after the repetitions. You can say, this was the pop music of the eighteenth century.
Focus on the accuracy of your fretting hand and be disciplined with the fingerings.
It is a great exercise for your dexterity and challenge to your pattern-based thinking.
Keep the flow, have fun and practice some other Mozart pieces, too.
Transcription (notes + tabs adapted for 4-string bass guitar) available here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/36573765
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