Description
Bass. The final frontier. Wait, what?
Inspired by the vast unknowable expanse of the cosmos and the manifold wonders therein, “SPACE BASS” takes the advancing bass clarinetist on an interstellar journey of progressive concert etudes that address bass clarinet techniques both fundamental and extended. Filled with dazzling new works that chart a course into the future, this exciting new collection explores foundational techniques like effective slurring, altissimo, and stable breath support while also coaching bass clarinetists through modern processes like slap tonguing, multiphonics, singing while playing, key clicks, air sounds, and more.
Each concert etude, crafted by award-winning composer Roger Zare (who has been praised by the New York Times for his “enviable grasp of orchestration) draws its inspiration from the vast wonderland of space. “Supernova” churns and builds before a spectral multiphonic explosion, “One Small Step” has us exploring downward slurs onto the Moon’s surface, and “The Golden Record” challenges us to sing into the bass clarinet (and into the void) like the drifting Voyager spacecraft. Each of the 13 etudes is introduced and explored with a written masterclass and performance guide from acclaimed clarinetist and bass clarinetist Andy Hudson, who breaks down the technical and musical challenges of each etude, making this an invaluable resource for the advancing bass clarinetist. The appendix material includes fingering charts and an essential guide for understanding bass clarinet clef notation, written by special guest contributor and dazzling bass clarinetist Jason Alder.
Building on the success of their “wildly inventive” collaboration “Elements of Contemporary Clarinet Technique,” “SPACE BASS” sees longtime collaborators Roger Zare and Andy Hudson once again reimagine the modern etude book in terms of progressive growth, nuanced musical development, and performance application. This is a must-have for bass clarinetists and an essential addition to every modern music collection.
Michael Lowenstwrn –
“Andy and Roger have put together a compendium for the bass clarinet that I wish I had when starting off my journey into contemporary bass clarinet techniques. The universe was much less charted back then. Now, with SPACE BASS, these two intrepid souls have indeed made a giant leap for bassclarinetkind. When bass clarinetists return from this adventure (and beware, many won’t return bwhahahahaaa), they will be equipped for just about any adventure the galaxy holds for them. Highly recommended!”
-Michael Lowenstern: International Soloist and Recording Artist, http://www.earspasm.com
Stefanie Gardner –
“SPACE BASS is exactly what we need in the bass clarinet community and fills the void of exploratory contemporary etudes in the bass clarinet repertoire. This book explores the vast timbral palette of the bass clarinet in a super fun and challenging way. I wish I had this resource when I was a young bass clarinetist! I’m super stoked to share Andy’s valuable insights and Roger’s compositional prowess with my students and the entire bass clarinet community. Buy this book now, you won’t regret it!”
-Stefanie Gardner, DMA: Égide Duo, Paradise Winds, Henri Selmer Paris Performing Artist, Chair of the ICA New Music Committee, Artistic Director of the 2023 ICA Low Clarinet Festival, Music Program Director Glendale Community College (AZ)
Zachary Good –
“Bass clarinetists no longer need to feel like ‘the last person on planet earth’ when it comes to their infinite journey with the instrument. Andy Hudson and Roger Zare’s SPACE BASS is a must-have companion for every bass clarinetist and composer looking to reinforce fundamental elements of bass clarinet playing, to discover and hone many ethereal bass clarinet techniques, or to simply take a celestial joyride through Roger’s compositions. The stars aligned when Andy and Roger embarked on their artistic journey together, demonstrating the fruitfulness and joy of meaningful and heartfelt collaboration. Warning: astral projection may occur while playing through this book. Beam me up.”
-Zachary Good: Eighth Blackbird, Mocrep, ZRL
Taylor Eiffert –
“Andy Hudson and Roger Zare’s SPACE BASS is a wonderfully crafted collection of music and masterclasses that showcases the bass clarinet as a true solo instrument. These chapters contain a wealth of invaluable information on both traditional and extended techniques, and Andy’s unassuming nature and methodical teaching style makes each technique easily approachable. Whether you are an established orchestral player, a chamber musician, or a budding student, SPACE BASS has something to help take your bass clarinet playing to the next level!”
M. Taylor Eiffert: Bass Clarinetist, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Sarah Watts –
“SPACE BASS is one giant leap into the twenty-first bass clarinet dimension. This is what an etude book should be – cutting edge, groundbreaking and fun. Hudson has made contemporary techniques and practice fully accessible and the running commentary and introduction into each piece is witty and informative. The personal approach is welcoming and there is a clear practice guide for all techniques and technical difficulties covered in the pieces. The etudes (solo concert pieces) by Roger Zare are a breath of fresh air. These are etudes that players will want to study. Each has a clear theme that links perfectly to the written introductions. They are also challenging and will give all players a good workout. This book will become a part of my practice regime. With a forward by Jeff Anderle, a useful and informative appendix on bass clef notation by Jason Alder and the ‘Dear composer’ letters from Hudson and Zare offering words of wisdom on notation thrown into the journey, there are no galaxies left unexplored. Beautifully presented and with bonus pages of stunning space images this is one book for every bass clarinet enthusiast.”
-Sarah Watts, PhD: Low Clarinet Virtuoso & International Soloist