Site Search


Other Resources
News Archive






Basso Moderno Duo Interview

Posted on 20 February 2008. © Copyright 2004-2024 Composition:Today


C:T talks to the Basso Moderno Duo, whose mission is to creat new repertoire for bass and piano from celebrated composers all over the world, and who have an on-going call for scores.

Basso Moderno Duo
Tell us all about Basso Moderno Duo- how it was formed, and its raison d'être.

The mission of the Basso Moderno Duo is to promote the works of living composers from all over the world by educating nontraditional audiences about contemporary music. We are extremely active in promoting the music of living composers and give 70 plus recitals of new music each year. We have commissioned over 100 new works from composers in 40 countries and all 7 continents, started a festival, several concert series and created the Basically Modern Arts Sanctuary. The Basso Moderno Duo has pushed the limits of the solo bass and has redefined what was previously thought possible and then commissioned an entirely new repertoire by celebrated composers that reflect these advances. Most importantly we have helped promote the works of composers all over the world and continue to find creative ways to attract listeners to contemporary music.
The Basso Modern Duo is pianist Kristen Williams and solo bassist Allan Von Schenkel. We have a shared interest in international travel, history, contemporary music and learning about new cultures. Both of us are interested in philanthropy and wish to bring meaning to our lives by helping others. We do so by promoting the works of 21st century composers and by partnering with professional dance companies and visual artists.


Tell us about your call for scores.

The Basso Moderno Duo has built relationships with composers throughout the world and we continue to seek out new works. Since 2005, we have sought works from composers from as many countries as possible and from composers as diverse as Alan Hovhaness, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Ned Rorem and Yoko Ono. We imagine being able to program works from every country in the world and are interested in discovering the unique voices of composers unknown to us.

Despite our large repertoire we continue to have a great need for energetic pieces. The perfect piece would be one which is 2-5 minutes in length and bring an element of excitement to our program. In this piece both instruments will be treated equally and will take turns delivering solo and secondary lines. The piano’s primary role is to supply driving rhythms and fast melodic passages. In contrast, the bass should have long intense lines and climactic moments in the high register as well as lyrical moving lines in the middle register. One possible image is to view the bass as electrical currents and the piano as a storm. These images have stimulated composers throughout the globe and our request has been met with positive results.

The Basso Moderno Composition Competition was formed to encourage composers to write for our ensemble and the high solo tuning. Given annually, the selected composer is awarded a residency at the Basically Modern Arts Sanctuary, multiple performances and a recording of the work.


What advice would you give to composers regarding writing for the Bass?

The bass is an extremely versatile instrument whose use is reflected by the player. It is important that composers learn how to write for the instrument by working closely with performers and write for a specific player. It is only through communicating with bass soloists that will allow the composer to fully exploit the unique character of the solo bass.

We are advocates of the high solo tuning (tuned one forth higher than standard tuning: ADGc). This tuning allows for greater musical flexibility and places the range of the instrument closer the range of the human voice. The tone is intense and it carries easily over the piano. Our ultimate goal has been to find the most attractive sound possible. Another bonus is that the bass has a large register and ‘voices’ that have yet to be discovered by composers. It is exciting to produce such beautiful and varied sounds on an acoustical instrument and to realize the potential.

The Basso Moderno Duo exists to help composers and we enjoy working closely with people from varied backgrounds. We openly invite composers to contact us.


Does the group focus on playing specific types of music?

The Basso Moderno Duo focuses on diversity by commissioning new works from composers from literally all over the world. Our vision is to give recitals that reflect the global village of the 21st century. It is our feeling that there must be a great Australian Aborigine genius or a composer from Turkmenistan whose music is worthy of the stage. Our goal is to educate and introduce listeners to the musical voices of composers who are working throughout the world.

An exciting aspect of new music performance is that each piece is unique and almost always unexpected. We are very open performers and see each piece as unique musical world which we get to discover. Each score has unique obstacles and opportunities that help us to grow as musicians. Pauline Oliveros composed ‘Blue Heron: In Memory of James Tenney’ for us in 2006. Rather than using a traditional score the composer describes in words what it is she would like us to do. Other scores such as ‘Introduction to the Anatomy of Sound’ from Romanian composer Fred Popovici applies a graphic score that utilizes many symbols and advance bow techniques. ‘Dialogue’ by Felix Yanov-Yanovsky of Usbekistan has a very intense melody that treats the bass and piano equally. This gives each instrument both complex solo voice and counter-voice roles which adds dimension to our playing. Richard St Clair’s ‘OUTBURST’ has driving rhythms that deliver a guaranteed adrenaline rush every time we play it. Generally speaking we hope to perform works that really ‘say something’ and give audiences a positive listening experience.

The Basso Moderno Duo is unlike most ensembles in that we are active performance artists. Our concerts include theatrical works and audience participation. Rather than using printed programs we prefer to announce each work, provide and introduction about the composer and the idea behind each piece. Talking about music engages the audience.


How do you go about programming your concerts?

The Basso Moderno duo has a constantly evolving program. We do have several works that have earned a permanent place in our program such as Tango No. 2 by Spanish composer Sonia Megias Lopez, who was twenty when she composed this delightful piece that is both lyrical and energetic.

Often our recitals are built around opportunities to perform. Last summer’s concert at Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC resulted in us commissioning 10 new works by American composers including Pauline Oliveros, Ned Rorem, Lee Hoiby, Leo Kraft, Wallace De Pue, and others. In March 2008, we will premiere six new works at the Women Composers Festival in Hartford, Connecticut. This program includes new pieces by Iulia Cibisescu-Duran (Romania), Alla Penkina (Russia), Betty Beath (Australia), Elinor Armer (USA), Emanuela Ballio (Italy) and Julia Gomelskaya (Ukraine). We will also premiere of ‘Variations on a German Folksong’ by Ruth Schonthal, who composed for us what would be her final work.

We approach each audience differently and adjust our program based on the environment. The Basso Moderno Duo has nearly one hundred pieces in its repertoire and we often add works at a moment’s notice to make the concerts as spontaneous and enjoyable as possible. Speaking between pieces allows us to educate audiences, connect with our listeners and receive feedback. Typically we find that audiences like energetic works with strong rhythms and they like pieces which have a story behind them. Participation pieces such as PA-ALULUNG by Jonas Baes (Philippines) give audiences the opportunity to create an acoustical environment as each person is asked to make a small sound using small bells and other objects that we distribute.


Tell us about your current projects.

We are building a program of new works by Romanian composers Liana Alexander and Octavian Nemescu, Iranian composers Fariborz Lachini and Babek Aleheidar, Armenian composer Vahram Babayan, and Turmenistan composer Maral Yaksieva. These parts of the world have become increasingly interesting to us as has the music of Felix Yanov-Yanovsky of Uzbekistan who composed a short piece entitled ‘Dialogue’ in 2005. The Basso Moderno Duo will be giving five recitals in Bulgaria in March 2008 as guests of composer Lyubomir Denev who composed ‘Funky Talking’ for us in 2007. We will also be giving a recital in Cluj, Romania with Iulia Cibisescu-Duran whose composition ‘Piece for Basso Moderno’ arrived this week. Many of our activities are documented on our blog ‘Basically Modern’ and on our website. http://www.solobass.org

The Basso Moderno Duo has worked with several professional dance companies including Bosma Dance and the Jane Franklin Dance Company in Washington DC. In 2007, we began working with Isabel Gotzkowsky & Friends in New York. This collaboration has been very positive and we have several projects developing with this talented choreographer/dancer. Grant writing is very important in getting large productions produced and we are currently working with Ms. Gotzkowsky to choreograph our composition ’69 Ways to Fall in LOVE’. Collaborating with dance enhances the new music experience. Professional choreographers bring out nuances in the music that might otherwise be lost when hearing a piece for the first time.

In addition to our new programs, we have founded the Basically Modern Arts Sanctuary in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York State. We offer seven to ten day residencies at no charge to selected composers who would like to visit the United States. The Basically Modern Arts Sanctuary’s mission is to encourage composers by giving them a quiet place to compose and to give international composers the opportunity to visit New York City.



What are your plans for the future?

We have many activities planned for the future. We are attempting to start a new music festival and looking for a suitable location. Our home, the Basically Modern Arts Sanctuary has invited several composers for residencies including Lyubomir Denev (Bulgaria), Fariborz Lachini (Iran) and Mikail Kokzhayev (Armenia).

The Basso Moderno Duo has been invited to give a series of recitals at the University of the Philippines in Manila this fall. In March, 2008 we will be giving recitals throughout Bulgaria and Romania, including a performance at the March Music Days festival in Rousse.

In New York, we are working closely with the Isabel Gotzkowsky & Friends Dance Company who is choreographing selections from our program as well as our own performance art composition ‘69 Ways to Fall in LOVE’.

We would like to invite composers to write pieces for us and to encourage young composers to submit pieces for the Basso Moderno Composition Competition. The selected composer will have their piece recorded by us and spend one week at the Basically Modern Arts Sanctuary.


How can people find out more about you?

Our website http://www.solobass.org is continually updated to include new projects, recordings, partnerships and performance dates. Our blog http://www.bassomoderno.blogspot.com/ ‘Basically Modern’ includes interviews with composers and important press releases.




Interview by Composition:Today © Copyright 2004-2024

Comments by other Members


Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:03 on 14 April 2021
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. 토토
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:48 on 17 April 2021
Thanks for taking the time to discuss that, I feel strongly about this and so really like getting to know more on this kind of field. Do you mind updating your blog post with additional insight? It should be really useful for all of us. 먹튀검증
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 06:48 on 28 April 2021
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. 먹튀검증업체
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 06:13 on 29 April 2021
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. 꽁머니 만원
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:00 on 29 April 2021
I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, lawn care fort Lauderdale
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:00 on 29 April 2021
I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, lawn care fort Lauderdale
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:53 on 01 May 2021
Your post is very helpful to get some effective tips to reduce weight properly. You have shared various nice photos of the same. I would like to thank you for sharing these tips. Surely I will try this at home. Keep updating more simple tips like this. [url=https://joker123.center]JOKER123[/url]
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:53 on 01 May 2021
Your post is very helpful to get some effective tips to reduce weight properly. You have shared various nice photos of the same. I would like to thank you for sharing these tips. Surely I will try this at home. Keep updating more simple tips like this. <a href="https://joker123.center">JOKER123</a>
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:54 on 01 May 2021
Your post is very helpful to get some effective tips to reduce weight properly. You have shared various nice photos of the same. I would like to thank you for sharing these tips. Surely I will try this at home. Keep updating more simple tips like this. JOKER123
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:54 on 04 May 2021
thanks for this usefull article, waiting for this article like this again. 토토사이트
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:22 on 11 May 2021
Personally, I have found that to remain probably the most fascinating topics when it draws a parallel to. You may find two to three new levels inside L . a . Weight loss and any one someone is incredibly important. Initial stage may be real melting away rrn the body. lose weight [https://childrenofsouthsudan.info/ ufa]
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 17:38 on 11 May 2021
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. become a digital payments agent
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 07:32 on 13 May 2021
Your blog is too much amazing. I have found with ease what I was looking. Moreover, the content quality is awesome. Thanks for the nudge! Led Lights for Bedroom
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 08:12 on 13 May 2021
New web site is looking good. Thanks for the great effort. sprinkler for kids
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 15:48 on 15 May 2021
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work Console Game Stuff
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 15:49 on 15 May 2021
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work Console Game Stuff
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:44 on 16 May 2021
I have added and shared your site to my social media accounts to send people back to your site because I am sure they will find it extremely helpful too. 토토사이트
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 17:50 on 18 May 2021
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. hypnotherapist
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 18:09 on 18 May 2021
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. buy magic mushrooms online canada
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 15:33 on 21 May 2021
Wow, What an Outstanding post. I found this too much informatics. It is what I was seeking for. I would like to recommend you that please keep sharing such type of info.If possible, Thanks. 威而鋼價格
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 06:20 on 23 May 2021
I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up. 먹튀
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:59 on 25 May 2021
Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks Kinemaster Pro IOS
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 20:22 on 27 May 2021
พีจี สล็อตออนไลน์ แตกง่าย ที่เล่นแล้วได้เงินจริง เป็นเว็บไซต์เกมส์ที่ได้รับความนิยมจริงๆขึ้นชื่อว่า พีจีสล็อต ไม่มีผู้ใดไม่ทราบด้วยเหตุว่าเป็นเกมส?สามารถทำเงินให้กับคนที่ติดอกติดใจการ เล่นเกมส์ออนลไน์อย่างใหญ่โต เนื่องจากสล็อตเล่นง่ายได้เงินจริง ไม่ต้องลงทุน ลงแรง อะไรล้นหลามก็สามารถมีเงินฝากบัญชี มาใช้ได้แบบสบายๆเป็นเกมส์ออนไลน์ทำเงินให้กับคนที่เข้ามาเล่นอย่าง ไม่มีอันตรายไม่มีการเสี่ยง เพราะเหตุว่าเว็บไซต์พวกเราเป็นเว็บไซต์ตรงจากต่างๆ สล็อตออนไลน์
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 17:24 on 07 June 2021
Remarkable article, it is particularly useful! I quietly began in this, and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Delights, keep doing more and extra impressive! become an iso for merchant services
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 14:02 on 16 June 2021
เพราะอะไรเราถึงชี้นำเกม Kiss918 ให้แก่ท่านเล่นหล่ะ ? ตั้งแต่ที่แอดไม่นเล่นเกมสล็อตมาทั้งสิ้น สล็อตบางค่ายเล่นๆก็เบื่อหรือไม่รู้สึกว่ามันน่าสนใจอีกต่อไป แอดไม่นก็เลยหาเกมสล็อตใหม่ๆมาทดลองเล่นบ้าง แล้วก็หลังจากการทดลองเล่นเกมสล็อตต่างๆล้นหลามกว่า 20 ค่ายเกม 918kiss
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 17:45 on 18 June 2021
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. iso merchant services
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 19:18 on 22 June 2021
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. how to start a payment gateway company
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 17:30 on 26 June 2021
Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info. how to become a credit card processor
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 17:59 on 27 June 2021
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. Minnesota Fake ID
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 07:44 on 29 June 2021
I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. best THC gummies
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 19:50 on 30 June 2021
918kiss สล็อตออนไลน์ เพราะเหตุว่าเวลามั่งมีนั้นมีค่า จะเสียเวล่ำเวลาทำไหมกับระบบฝาก ถอน แบบเดิมๆมาเจอประสบการณ์ใหม่กับ 918kissauto ด้วยระบบสมัครเป็นสมาชิก ฝาก ถอน อัตโนมัติ อย่างเร็ว โดยไม่ต้องติดต่อผ่าน Call center ทำให้คุณสามารถเล่น 918kiss สล็อตออนไลน์ ได้อย่างเพลิดเพลินใจไม่ต้องเสียเวล่ำเวลาติดต่อกับ Call Center pussy888
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:09 on 01 July 2021
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. psd letter
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 19:29 on 03 July 2021
This blog is so nice to me. I will keep on coming here again and again. Visit my link as well.. DAFTAR IDNpoker deposit pulsa
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:26 on 08 July 2021
Superior post, keep up with this exceptional work. It's nice to know that this topic is being also covered on this web site so cheers for taking the time to discuss this! Thanks again and again! chudjenbet
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:54 on 10 July 2021
Wow, excellent post. I'd like to draft like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article. This post has encouraged me to write some posts that I am going to write soon. 토토사이트
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:33 on 11 July 2021
I love visiting sites in my free time. I have visited many sites but did not find any site more efficient than yours. Thanks for the nudge! สล็อต XO
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 16:51 on 14 July 2021
I cannot wait to dig deep and kickoff utilizing resources that I received from you. Your exuberance is refreshing. joker139
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:16 on 19 July 2021
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post. 토토
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:50 on 20 July 2021
Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. mega888 ios
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 15:48 on 28 July 2021
What a thrilling post. It is extremely chock-full of useful information. Thanks for such a great info. jcpenney kiosk
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 14:17 on 21 August 2021
You delivered such an impressive piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain information. Thanks for sharing such information with us due to which my several concepts have been cleared. prediksi sakurai
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 07:42 on 14 January 2022
I gotta favorite this website it seems very helpful . buy virtual bank account
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:31 on 07 November 2023
This really is awesome publish as well as i love to to learn this particular publish. your website is actually wonderful and also you possess great personnel inside your weblog. good discussing stay the best. 娛樂城平台
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:42 on 14 November 2023
May possibly fairly recently up and running an important web log, the data one offer you on this web site contains given a hand to all of us substantially. Bless you designed for your current precious time & get the job done. 메이저 안전놀이터
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 08:16 on 18 November 2023
You happen to be permitted to article labels, and not backlinks, until these are accredited along with in theme. Practical Pie
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:57 on 21 November 2023
We amazed using the evaluation a person designed to get this to specific submit amazing. Fantastic exercise! manyxtoys
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:18 on 22 November 2023
JC’s Hot Bagels – Burlington’s Home of Bagel Perfection for 27 Years! Dive into the legacy of bagel brilliance at JC’s. For nearly three decades, we’ve been crafting perfection in every bite. Join Burlington in savoring the flavors that have made us the city’s beloved bagel destination. Everything Bagel
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 08:37 on 23 November 2023
As i pleased considering the studies one which is designed to get this individual print remarkable. Splendid actions! Cardiac Sonography
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:06 on 05 December 2023
Regards just for featuring brand-new upgrades in connection with priority, Document wait for look at a great deal more. bird poop good luck
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:43 on 09 December 2023
You happen to be permitted to article labels, and not backlinks, until these are accredited along with in theme. forschungschemikalien kaufen
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:27 on 09 December 2023
Great write-up, I am a big believer in commenting on blogs to inform the blog writers know that they’ve added something worthwhile to the world wide web!.. Moving Company in Sector 49 Gurgaon
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:35 on 13 December 2023
"Embrace affordability with Camile TM's unmatched prices! Experience same-day success, the highest win rate, swift service, deluxe treatment, and absolute confidentiality. Choose Camile Team for an unparalleled role-playing adventure!" 롤대리
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:09 on 19 December 2023
Diversified Services, your go-to roofing contractor since 1988, is built on hard work, integrity, and continuous improvement. Trust us for top-quality installations and repairs, whether it's a flat commercial roof or a residential shingled one. Your reliable roofing solution is just a call away! roof repair kalamazoo
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:02 on 28 December 2023
You may be permitted to blog post details, though not back-links, with regard to they are really sanctioned and even at area. Orion Stars free play
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:23 on 10 February 2024
The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface. india visa eligibility india visa for greek citizens
To post comments you need to become a member. If you are already a member, please log in .