Performance Notes // DOUBLE BASS

Quarter Tones
Natural Harmonic

Quarter tone chromatic passage here notated: F-quarter-sharp,

Notated with diamond notehead at fingered node, with “sul x“
F-sharp, G-quarter-flat, G-natural, G-quarter-sharp. Symbols
marking for string -or- open string note can also be included. The
representing three-quarter-sharp and three-quarter-flat will be
resulting pitch is not notated but can be inferred by node/string
avoided for simplicity and clarity.
combination.

Glissando
Overpressure

Glissandi are notated with a straight line connecting pitches. The

movement of the pitch starts at the beginning of the first note and
Extreme bowing overpressure is notated with a slash through the
lasts for the duration of the note. If a second pitch is not notated,
notehead. The resulting sound should be stuttering and inconsistent.
glissando should be as large and quick as comfortably possible.

Stopped strings
Col legno tratto
Marked with X noteheads. Deaden the strings with the left hand so
Abbreviated C.L.T., for extended passages, an alternate bow or suitable
that no pitch whatsoever is perceived.
wooden implement is desirable to maintain the integrity of the

performer’s bow. Knocking on instrument

Marked with X notehead. Use the knuckle to percussively rap on the
Col legno battuto
shoulder of the instrument.
Abbreviated C.L.B.

Crini battuto
Crini battuto is achieved by striking the string with the bow’s hair, not

the wood, with a slight bowing motion, resulting in a pitch more

clearly audible than that of C.L.B.

Circular bowing
Use both up/down bow in addition to the movement of

tasto/ponticello to create an inconsistent, shifting timbre.