Academic Bass Portal

Home » Bibliography » Dissertations & Theses

Dissertations & Theses

“Dissertations & Theses” page is created to serve as a reference source for all academic works in the field of bass scholarship, ranging from the level of High School project theses to the comprehensive Doctoral Dissertation works. Featured are all the historic and contemporary forms of theses that are extant. Thus beside the traditional dissertations on the classical bass performance and pedagogy, you may also note a variety of other works that feature topics such as organology, acoustics, jazz, national / folk music, and the electric bass. The primary purpose of this catalog thus is to be a comprehensive research tool for scholars, educators, professionals and students who wish to explore the current state of knowledge in the ever-widening field of bass expertise.

The foundation of this listing is the WorldCat – the world’s biggest online database. However, the goal is to eventually incorporate all the entries from the national databases as well. In addition, this listing also reflects a modern trend in the academe, where the term “thesis” does any longer imply only a traditional scholarly research book format, but encompasses the compositions, performances or any combination of audio-visual and/or printed work for a particular degree. All of these formats are – and will be included, with the exception of sole “Performance Theses” when they come without a written content. Those can be considered a degree related performance recitals, and thus are not the works suitable for this category.

Many of the featured theses are also available in the “free download” formats, and where such an access is possible, special links are provided. Some theses are also profiled as the compositions works, whether in the form of transcriptions or the original compositions. This type of thesis has become rather common in the present, and may have been supervised by either the composition or the bass performance departments. Lastly, to avert any confusion with the book titles that you may recognize in this listing, it should be noted that some of the known reference book titles – those for example by Abbas, Focht, Meier, Palmer and Webster – have actually begun their lives as dissertations, and thus rightfully belong to be cited in this catalog.

–

–

–

Acoustics

Doctoral Theses

  • Abbas, Esmat. Klangliche Eigenschaften Des Kontrabasses: Spektralanalytische Und Historische Untersuchungen Zum Bau Und Zum Klang. Doctoral Thesis, Universität zu Köln, 1989.

Note: Cited also under “Organology” heading.

  • Brown, Andrew. An Acoustical Comparison of Flatback and Roundback Double Basses. Ph. D. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2004. Download Page
  • Fervágner, Csaba. A Nagybőgő Akusztikája. D.L.A. Thesis, Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Budapest, 2013. Download Page

[ The Acoustics of Double Bass ]

  • Pantelić, Filip. Analiza Korelacije Između Mehaničkih i Akustičkih Osobina Kontrabasa. Ph.D. Thesis, 2017. Download Page – Download Page 2

[ The Analysis of the Correlation Between the Mechanical and Acoustical Properties of the Double Bass ]

  • Payton, Leonard R, Contrabass Harmonic Potential: A Study in Acoustics and Composition. Ph.D. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 1988. Details

Note: This thesis consists of the performance and written part.

  • Reuter, Christoph Der Einschwingvorgang nichtperkussiver Musikinstrumente: Auswertung Physikalischer und Psychoakustischer Messungen. Magisterarbeit Thesis, Universität zu Köln, 1994 (1995 pub.) Record Link – Contents pdf Link

Note: Related to Chapter 5.4  Transient Responses and Spectrums of Non-Percussion Musical Instruments and the Piano – Stringed Instruments (Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass).

  • Vollmer, Frithjof. Schellack-Sound. Zum Wandel der Interpretationspraxis auf Streichinstrumenten in Tondokumenten 1900-1950. Ph.D. Thesis, Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart, Institut für Musikwissenschaft und Musikpädagogik, Stuttgart. In Process

[ Shellac Sound. On the Change of Interpretation Practice of Stringed Instruments in Sound Recordings 1900-1950. ]

–

Masters Theses

  • Brown, Andrew. Acoustical Studies on the Adjustable Double Bass Bridge Height Adjusters. MA Thesis, 1999. Download Page
  • Carvalho Silva, Jose Eduardo de. Tremor e Vibrato Humanos: Mediação De Taxa, Profundidade e Regularidade no Movimento Demembros, na Voz e no Contrabaixo Acústico. Master in Electrical Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2010. Download Page

[ Tremor and Human Vibrato: Rate of Mediation, Depth and Regularity in Members Movement, Voice and Acoustic Bass ]

  • Eidal Wiken, Steffen. Måling av Lavfrekvent Utstråling fra Scenegulv. M. of and Electronics and Telecommunication, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 2009. Download Page

[ Measurement of the Low-frequency Radiation from the Stage Floor ]

Note: Thesis covers the research of stage floor radiance in relation to the low frequencies of double bass ; Thesis Advisor: Knut Guettler.

  • Englmair, Thomas Gerhard. Die Physik des Kontrabasses : Analyse von Klangspektren. M. Sci. Thesis, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, 2017. Download Page – OBV Record Link
  • Mesany, Tadeáš. Kontrabas a Akustické Děje. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 1998. AMU Library Record

[ Double Bass and Acoustics ]

  • Ramo, Audun. Fysiske og Tekniske Utfordringer Knyttet til Bruk av Elektroniske Effekter med Kontrabass. M.M. Thesis, University of Agder, Norway, 2010. Download Page

[ Physical and Technical Challenges Associated With the Use of Electronic Effects on Bass ]

Note: Cited also under “Jazz” heading.

  • Schubert, Earl D. An Experimental Analysis of the Timbre of the Viola, Violoncello, and Contrabass. M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 1942.
  • Woodrich, Dennis L. Multi-nodal Performance Technique for Contrabass Harmonics. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 1980.

–

Bachelors Theses

  • Barnert, Richard. Akustische Messungen am Kontrabass. Bachelor Thesis, Institut für Elektronische Musik, Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz. 1996.
  • Čalkovský, Lukáš. Harmonická Analýza Kobylky Kontrabasu. B.S. Thesis, Brno Uiversity of Technology, 2024. Download Link

[ Harmonic Analysis of the Double Bass Bridge ]

  • Macrì, Silvia Maria. Fisica Degli Strumenti ad Arco. B.S. Thesis (?), Università Degli Studi di Padova, Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia “Galileo Galilei,” 2016. Download Page

[ The Physics of the Bowed String Instruments ]

Note: This thesis covers the unique physical and acoustical features of Double Bass in relation to the other stringed instruments and compares their evolution along with the other tonal and acoustical characteristics.

  • Seďa, Dominik. Vztah Akustických Aspektů k Technice hry na Kontrabas. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2022. Download Page

[ Relation Between Acoustic Aspects and the Technique of Playing the Double Bass ]

–

–

Bass History – General

Doctoral Theses

  • Cohen, Irving H. The Historical Development of the Double Bass. Ph.D. Thesis, New York University, 1967.
  • Fink, Bernhard M. Die Geschichte Des Kontrabasses Und Seine Trennung Vom Violoncello in Der Orchestralen Instrumentation. [Regensburg: G. Bosse, 1974.]

Note: BSB cites this book also as a dissertation, yet without information on the granting institution – BSB Record Link

  • Greenberg, Michael. “l’âme Des Orchestres”: La Contrebasse À Paris Et En Ile De France (xvie-Xxe Siècles). Doctoral Thesis, Université de Paris, Sorbonne, 2008. Record Link 1 – Record Link 2

[ The Soul of the Orchestra : the Double Bass in Paris and the Ile-de-France (16th-20th Centuries) ]

  • Lavergne, Patrick James. The Origin and the Evolution of the Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 2021. Download Page
  • Lewy, Rudolf. The Meaning and Evolution of the Bass Register, the Bass Part and the Bass Instruments: (the Essence of Bass). Ph.D. Thesis, Tel-Aviv University, 1977.

Note: The records show variants of name as “Rudolph” and year “1978.”

  • Nachtergaele, Shanti. A Sociomaterial History of the Double Bass(ist), 1760–1890. Ph.D. Thesis, Schulich School of Music, McGill University, 2024. Download Page

Note: An excellent work that presents the latest research on on the origin and evolution of bass instruments in Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

  • Sas, Stephen. A History of Double Bass Performance Practice: 1500-1900. D.M.A. Thesis, The Juilliard School, 1999. Record Link
  • Siemers, Brian J. The History and Development of the Double Bass. D.M.A Thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2001. Abstract
  • Wee, Christina C.-Y. P. A Historic Collaboration: The Piano and the “bass Violin” from Its Inception During the Baroque Period to the Twenty-First Century. D.M. Thesis, Northwestern University, 2007.

–

Masters Theses

  • Brkić, Denis. Razvoj Kontrabasa do Kraja 18. Stoljeća. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2012. Record Link
  • Butler, David Medford. An Investigation of the Musical Identity of the Double Bass. M.A. Thesis, Ohio State University, 1966. Download Page
  • DeMatteo, Edward D. The History and Development of the Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, University of Rochester, 1957. Download Page
  • Fanelli, Michael. The Genealogy and Evolution of the Double Bass. , M.A. Thesis, University of Missouri–Columbia, 1981. Record Link
  • Parke, James Wilson. The Double Bass, Its Use and Famous Virtuosos. M.M. Thesis, University of Cincinnati, 1941. Record Link
  • Salliot, Anne. Aspects de la Contrebasse Solitaire. M.M. Thesis, Université François Rabelais, Tours, 1994. Online Access Page

–

Bachelors Theses

  • Choi, Sung-won. Die Entwicklung des Kontrabass. Bachelor Thesis (Diplomarbeit), Mozarteum University, 1994. Record Link
  • Meyer, Nikola. Anmerkungen zum Kontrabass bei Hector Berlioz, Richard Strauss und Franz Simandl – Vergleichende Textanalyse und Kommentar. B.M. Thesis (Diplomarbeit), Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2007. OBVSG Record Link  –  KUG Record Link
  • Peović, Mislav. Razvoj Kontrabasa Kroz Povijest. Bachelor of Music Thesis, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Muzička Akademija, 2023. Download Page
  • Schiesser, Anna-Katharina. Projekt Kontrabass. B.M. Thesis, Pädagogische Hochschule St.Gallen, 2009.
  • Villanueva, Luis R. Muñoz. Vanhal’s Bass concerto and the Viennese school of bass playing – historical and contextual notes. B.A. in Music Thesis, Conservatoire de Musique de Lausanne (HEM), 2009. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Composers – Vanhal”

–

High School – Gymnasium Theses

  • Bierkandt, Katrin. Der Kontrabaß – ein emanzipiertes Instrument. Seminarfach-arbeit, Gymnasium “Am Lindenberg”, Ilmenau, 1999. Download Page
  • Suda, Markus. Der Kontrabass: Wurzeln und Entwicklung eines Streichinstruments, Virtuosen der Vergangenheit, Kontrabassunterricht in Oberösterreich heute. Fachbereichsarbeit aus Musikerziehung, Öffentliches Stiftsgymnasium Kremsmünster, 2007. Download Page

–

–

Bass History – Romantic Period

  • Nachtergaele, Shanti. Examination of Mid-Nineteenth Century Double Bass Playing Based on A. Müller and F.C. Franke’s Discourse in the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, 1848 – 1851. M.M. Thesis, Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag, 2015. RCat Record –  Download Page

–

–

Bass History – Classical Period

Doctoral Theses

  • Boucher-Browning, Renaud. Reviving a lost art: improvising cadenzas and lead-ins for the contrabass concertos of J. M. Sperger (1750-1812). D.Mus Thesis, McGuill University, 2021. Download Page
  • Fletcher, Clive Anthony. The Viennese Double Bass and its Role as a Solo Instrument, 1760-1812. (?) Thesis, University of Kent at Canterbury, United Kingdom, 2001.
  • Fillion, Michelle Marie. The Accompanied Keyboard Divertimenti of Haydn and His Viennese Contemporaries (c. 1750-1780). (Volumes I and II), Ph.D. Thesis, Cornell University, 1982.

Note: This thesis features J.C. Mann Divertimento in G with Cembalo, Violin and Violone. It also discusses the general implications of the term Basso in the music of Viennese classicism.

  • Focht, Josef. Der Wiener Kontrabass: Spieltechnik Und Aufführungspraxis – Musik Und Instrumente. Doctoral Thesis, Universität Tübingen, 1994.
  • Hanson, Eric Olaf. An Introductory Guide for the Viennese Violone. D.M.A. Thesis, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, 2015. Record Link
  • Leverenz, William C. The Viennese Violone: The Development, Blossoming, and Decline of a Musical Instrument in 18th Century Vienna. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2018. Download Page
  • Mazurowicz, Ulrich. Das Streichduett in Wien von 1760 bis zum Tode Joseph Haydns. Ph.D. Thesis, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 1980.

Note: Chapter: Duette — für Violine und Violoncello bzw. Kontrabass.

  • Meier, Adolf. Konzertante Musik Für Kontrabass in Der Wiener Klassik: Mit Beiträgen Zur Geschichte Des Kontrabassbaues in Österreich : Inaugural-Dissertation Zur Erlangung Der Doktorwürde Der Philosophischen Fakultät Der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. Doctoral Thesis, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 1969.
  • Morgan, Cassidy Andrew. Exploring Viennese Tuning and Its Benefits for the Modern Double Bassist. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Maryland, 2016. Download Page
  • Pecevski, Igor. The Use of the Terzviolone in the Works of Johann Matthias Sperger with an Edition of his Concerto No. 13. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Rochester, 1993. ÖNB Record Link 1 – ÖNB Record Link 2
  • Rinckens, Franziska. Kontrabaßspiel im 18. und frühen 19. Jahrhundert. Ph.D. Thesis, Bonn, 1986. Source Page
  • Webster, James. The Bass Part in Haydn’s Early String Quartets: And in Austrian Chamber Music, 1750-1850. Ph.D. Dissertation, Princeton University, 1974.

–

Masters Theses

  • Almeida, Thiago Lima de. Um Olhar Crítico para Afinação Vienense Através do Contrabaixo Moderno. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, 2017. Library Record – Download Link 

[ A Critical Look at the Viennese Tuning through a Perspective of a Modern Double Bass ]

  • Andjelic-Andzakovic, Darija. The Contrabass Sonatas of Johann Matthias Sperger. M.M. Thesis in Musicology, University of Auckland, 2011. Record Link
  • Corte, Sávio de La. A Double Bass Concerto of Unidentified Author. M.M.A. Thesis, Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 2012.
  • d’Ippolito, Gustavo. Der Klang des Kontrabasses in der Wiener Klassik und die Entwicklung der Wiener Stimmung Praxis bis 2020. M.A. Thesis. Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2020.
  • Domović, Ivan. Bečki Način Ugađanja Kontrabasa. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2015. Record Link
  • Fletcher, Clive Anthony. The Viennese Double Bass and its Role as a Solo Instrument, 1760-1812. M. Phil. Thesis, University of Kent at Canterbury, United Kingdom, 2001. Record Link

Note: The thesis contains the edition of Sperger’s Concerto No. 14. This work is also cited also under: “Composers” – “Sperger, Johann Matthias.”

  • França, Ricardo Bessa Magalhães. Os Solos para Violone em Sinfonias de Haydn e a Prática da Performance Historicamente Informada por Contrabaixistas Brasileiros. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Escola de Música, Rio de Janeiro, 2016. Record Link 1 – Record Link 2 – Download Link 

[ The Violone Solos in Haydn’s Symphonies and the Practice of Historically Informed Performance by Brazilian Bass Players ]

  • Gravel, Christian. L’école Viennoise De Contrebasse : Genèse Et Réception. M.A. Thesis, University of Montreal, 2013. Download Page

Note: This thesis is written in German although the title is in French!

  • Habek, Domagoj. Kontrabas u Razdoblju Klasicizma. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu,  2018. Record Link
  • Halpin, Sarah. The Classical Vienennese Violone and its Historical Implications on Modern Performance Practice with Particular Reference to the Violone Solos in Haydn’s Symphonies. M.M. Thesis, Dublin Institute of Technology. 2010. Record Link – Abstract
  • Hochwartner, Benedikt Maximilian. Der Wiener Kontrabass: Organologische und Historische Betrachtungen. Masterarbeit Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2019. Record Link
  • Le Compte, Korneel. Music Form an Island : The Double Bass in 18th Century Vienna. Master Thesis, Royal Concervatory of Brussels, 2008.
  • Leloup, Isaline. The Viennese Violone : A “Viennoiserie” with 5 Spices. M.M. Thesis, Royal Conservatoire at The Hague, 2023. RCat Record –  Online View
  • Mills, Joseph E. Johann Matthias Sperger’s Concerto No. 14 for Contrabass and Orchestra: As an Example of Literature for the Solo Contrabass from the Viennese Classic Period. [sign. M. B16]. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 1991.
  • Rupprich, Christoph. The Emerging Double Bass in Chamber Music of the Viennese Classical Period. M.M. Thesis, Oklahoma City University, 1996. Record Link

–
Bachelors Theses

  • Heckenberg, Marian L. Viennese Tuning: A Twentieth Century Bassist’s Approach to Concertante Music for the Double Bass from the Viennese Classical Period Through Study of the Vanhal Concerto. B.M. Thesis, University of Queensland, 1991.
  • Ortego Pérez, Cristian. Charakteristische Baumerkmale und Stimmung des Kontrabasses in Wien in der zweiten Hälfte des 18. Jahrhunderts. B.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2011.
  • Paniagua Barroso, Jesús. Wien im Klassizismus : Kontrabass. B.M. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2013.
  • Scotney, Christopher. Vanhal’s Double Bass Concerto : Issues Relating to the Performance of Solo Double Bass Music from the Viennese Classical Period. B.M. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2010.
  • Slogar, Fran. Kontrabas u Orkestru na Prijelazu iz Klasike u Rani Romantizam – Osamostaljivanje Dionice. Master’s Thesis, University of Zagreb, Academy of Music, 2023 Download Page

[ Classicism and its Influence on the Evolution of the Solo Double Bass ]

  • Battaglia, Tina. Teaching Double Bass through Lost Traditions of the 18th Century. B.M. Thesis Paper, James Madison University, 2024. Download Page  |  WorldCat Record
  • Zeeuw, Robin de. De Weense bas, Een erfenis uit een glansrijk verleden. B.M. Thesis, Universiteit Utrecht, 2013. Download Link

–

–

Bass History – Baroque Period

Doctoral Theses

  • Binnig, Martina. Continuo-Streichbässe im deutschsprachigen Raum. Ph.D. Thesis, Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln. In Process since 2018.
  • Borgir, Tharald. The Performance of the Basso Continuo in Seventeenth Century Italian Music. Ph.D. Thesis, University of California at Berkeley, 1971.
  • Dreyfus, Laurence Dana. Basso Continuo Practice in the Vocal Works of J. S. Bach: A Study of the Original Performance Parts. Ph.D. Thesis, Columbia University, 1983.
  • Gray, Annika. The Solo Sonata with Basso Continuo in the British Isles until 1716. Ph.D. Thesis, Cardiff University, 2013 – [in Progress]
  • Hodgkinson, Christine. Terminology, Performance and Structure of the “bass” in Few Voiced Seventeenth Century Italian Instrumental Music. Ph. D. Thesis, University of Sheffield, Department of Music, 1978.
  • Hogan, Shelley Christine. The Ripieno Bass Section of the Dresden Hofkapelle during the Reign of August the Strong, 1709–1733: Players, Repertoire, Performance. Ph.D Thesis, University of Melbourne, 2017. Download Link
  • Hogestijn, Anneke. Bas of Contrabas: Over Het Begrip Basso En De Laagste Strijkinstrumenten in Het 17e En 18e Eeuwse Nederland. Ph.D. Thesis, Universiteit van Amsterdam, 1988.
  • O’Hara, Sean Timothy. The Double Bass in Handel’s Messiah: An Examination of the Instrument’s Role in the Continuo. D.M.A. Thesis, The University of Memphis, 2022. Download Page
  • Rijma, Rens B. Johann Sebastian Bach en Zijn Musici in de Beide Hoofdkerken te Leipzig: Een Onderzoek naar hun Rol, Inzet en Opstelling in het Algemeen en Naar de Continuogroep en de Daarin Participerende Instrumenten in het Bijzonder. Ph.D. Thesis, Utrecht University, 2017. Download Page

[ Johann Sebastian Bach and his Musicians in the Two Main Churches in Leipzig: A Study of Their Role, Commitment and Arrangement in General and of the Basso Continuo Group and the Instruments Involved in Particular ]

Note: A section of this work is dedicated to the bass instruments used by Bach’s ensembles, while the thesis Appendix indexes all the period treatises that have featured these instruments. The thesis text is in Dutch but many quotations are in German.

  • Sadie, Julie A. The Bass Viol in French Baroque Chamber Music. Ph.D. Thesis, Cornell University, 1978.
  • Valenzuela, Ruben. Basso continuo Practice in New Spain: The Players and Practices at the Cathedrals of Mexico City and Puebla. Ph.D. Thesis, Claremont Graduate University, California, 2015. Abstract 1 – Abstract 2
  • Whittaker, Nathan H. Chordal Cello Accompaniment: The Proof and Practice of Figured Bass Realization on the Violoncello from 1660—1850. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Washington, 2012. Download Link

Note: Although the thesis belongs under the subject of violoncello, it also addresses the history of bass instruments that include the violone and double bass.

  • Williams, Annika. ‘Curious sola’s’ The Solo Sonata in Restoration Britain. Ph.D. Thesis, Cardiff University, 2020. Download Page

Note: Among other subjects, this thesis also addresses the use of instruments titled Violone and Bass Viol in the Solo Sonata repertoire of Great Britain during the 1670 – 1716 time period.

  • Wright, Noeleen. Bass Lines for Bowed Bass or Keyboard within String Ensemble Repertoire from Italian Presses; 1660-1700. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Western Australia, 2013. Abstract – Download Page

–

Masters Theses

  • Erodi, Gyongy Iren. The sixteenth-century basse de violon: fact or fiction? Identification of the bass violin (1535-1635). M.M. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2009. Download Page
  • Sousa, Ricardo Jorge Duarte de. Música Antiga: Linhas de Orientação para uma Abordagem Pedagógica ao Contrabaixo Barroco. M. M. Ed. Thesis, Higher School of Arts of the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Portugal (ESART-IPCB), 2018. Download Page

[ Period Music: Guidelines for a Pedagogical Approach to the Baroque Double Bass ]

Note: Download Page contains also English abstract.

–

Bachelor Theses

  • Blanco Rad, Amaya. The Violone / Double Bass Pedagogy in the “Early Music.” B.M. Thesis.  Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2017.
  • Krajnc, Nadeschka. Die “Grossen Geygen” der Barockzeit : von der Vielfalt der Streichbassinstrumente im 16. und 17 Jahrhundert. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg / Feldkirch, Vorarlberger Landeskonservatorium, 2010. Record Link
  • Milota, Jiří. Barokní violony. Masters Thesis, Masaryk University, Brno, 2007. Download Page

–

–

–

Bass History – Folk Music

  • Fassl, Anette. Der Kontrabaß im volksmusikalischen Musizieren : Entwurf für eine Musizierwoche mit Laien. Diplom Arbeit (Bachelor Thesis), Hochsch. für Musik und Theater, München, 1994. Record Link
  • Osička, Pavel. Kontrabas v Lidové Hudbě Středovýchodní Evropy. Bachelor Thesis, Masaryk University, Brno, 2006. Download Page

[ Double Bass in the Folk Music of Central-East Europe ]

–

–

Bass History – National Schools

Brazilian School

  • Guedes, Alexandre Brasil de Matos. Introdução à Poética do Contrabaixo no Choro : o Fazer do Músico Popular Entre o Querer e o Dever. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2003. Record Link

Note: This thesis explores the Brazilian “Choro” genre in respect to the double bass.

  • Souza, Jorge Oscar de. O Contrabaixo Acústico em Três Momentos ea Música Instrumental Urbana no Brasil. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2007.Download Link

–

Chienese School

  • Li, Shaonan. The Double Bass Development in China. M.M. Thesis, Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Vilnius, Lithuania, 2020. Download Page
  • Peng, Wang. The Double Bass in The Chinese Symphony Orchestra and The National Orchestra. D.M.A. Thesis, Texas Christian University, 2021. Download Page

–

Croatian School

[ Rudolf Tuláček – Life and Work ]

Note: By following the life and accomplishments of Prof. Tuláček, this thesis also presents a development of Croatian school of bass playing at the time of Prof. Tuláček’s residency with the Zagreb Philharmonic and Zagreb Academy of Music.

–

Czech School

Masters Theses

[ The Importance of the Czech School for the Global Double Bass Pedagogy ]

  • Borovička, Květoslav. Kontrabas v Českém Hudebním Školství. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, [ date missing ]. AMU Library Record

[ Double Bass in Czech Music Education ]

[ Teachers of the Prague Double Bass School and Its Methodology ]

[ Prominent South Bohemian Double Bassists ]

  • Koo, Bon Ryong. Česká Kontrabasová škola / Vývoj Hudebního Školství Na Území Čech a Moravy. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2011.  DSpace AMU Record – hdl.handle.net – AMU Library Record

[ Czech Double Bass School / Development of Music Education in Bohemia and Moravia ]

  • Moravčíková, Anežka. Česká Kontrabasová Škola. Mg.A. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2009. JAMU Record

[ Czech Double Bass School ]

[ Significant Czech Double Bass Teachers of the 20th Century ]

[ Solo and Chamber Literature for Double Bass in Prague Archives ]

  • Pavelka, David. Nejvýznamnější Čeští Kontrabasisté : Pražská Kontrabasová Škola. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2005. AMU Library Record

[ The Most important Czech Double Bassists : Prague Double Bass School ]

Note: AMU Library Record lists all the Czech bassists covered in this thesis.

[ Czech Double Bassists In Foreign Orchestras ]

  • Radić, Marko. Češka Škola Kontrabasa. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2017. Record Link

[ Solo Double Bass in the Opus of Contemporary Czech Composers ]

[ Czech Nonet ]

Note: This thesis is about Czech Nonet ensemble that was founded in 1924 by students of the Prague Conservatory. This ensemble has inspired a series of nonet compositions by a number of contemporary composers, including Prokofiev, Lutoslawský and Martinů. The full  discography of Czech Nonet consists of some forty-five LP Records produced by Supraphon, Panton and Harmonia Mundi companies.

  • Zakopal, Luděk. Kontrabasová Škola Kroměříž a Její Vliv na Techniku Hry u Nás a ve Světě. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, [ date missing ]. AMU Library Record

[ The Kroměříž Double Bass School and its Influence on Playing Technique at the Local and Worldwide ]

–

Bachelors Theses

  • Andrš, Rudolf. Česká kontrabasová škola : významní sólisté a pedagogové. B.M. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2005. AMU Library Record

[ The Prague Double Bass School and Its Principal Representatives ]

[ Double Bass Section of The Czech Philharmonic ]

  • Borovička, Květoslav. Kontrabas v Českém Hudebním Školství. B.M. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, [ year unknown ] AMU Library Record
  • Marada, Vojtěch. Pedagogové Kontrabasové Hry na Konzervatoři v Brně. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2016. Download Page

[ Double Bass Players who Taught at the Brno Conservatory ]

  • Moravčíková, Anežka. Kontrabasové Podujatia v Českej Republike. Bc.A. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2007. Theses.cz Record

[ Double Bass Events in the Czech Republic ]

  • Ondrej, Marek. Katalóg Skladieb pre Kontrabas Českých Skladateľov 1. Polovice 20. Storočia. B.M. Thesis, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Ostrava, 2024. Ostrava Theses Portal

[ Catalog of Compositions for Double Bass by Czech Composers of the First Half of the 20th Century ]

 [ Solo and Chamber Literature for Double Bass in Prague Archives ]

[ The history of The National Theatre Orchestra Bass Players ]

Note: This thesis offers a listing and a short biography of all bass players who were affiliated with the National Theatre Orchestra in Prague. This is an exceptional source on Czech bassists as many of these musicians have gained international prominence.

  • Upatnieks, Gunars. Česká Kontrabasová Škola. Bc.A. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2010. Theses.cz Record

[ Czech Double Bass School ]

  • Švestka, Marek. Historie Brněnské Kontrabasové Třídy na JAMU od Založení po Současnost. M.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2011. Download Page

[ History of the Double Bass Class at JAMU in Brno ]

  • Zakopal, Luděk. Kontrabasová Škola Kroměříž a Její Vliv na Techniku Hry u Nás a ve Světě. B.M. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2000. AMU Library Record

–

Latvian School

  • Beitika, Aija. Historie Kontrabasové Třídy na Akademii Jazepa Vitola v Rize. B.M. Thesis. Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2012. Download Page

–

Lithuanian School

  • Kaziulytė, Diana. Kontraboso Koncertinio Repertuaro Akompanavimo Ypatumai. M.M. Thesis, Lithuanian Academy Of Music And Theatre, Vilnius, Lithuania, 2018. Download Page

Note: The focus of this thesis is on the accompaniment issues in performance with solo double bass. However, it also contains valuable references on the Lithuanian bass soloists, professors and composers, thus cited here.

–

Polish School

  • Zimnik, Piotr. Polská Kontrabasová Škola. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2013. Download Page

–

Spanish School

  • Adams, Yannick. Španělští Kontrabasisté ve Světových Orchestrech. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2015. Download Page

[ Spanish Double Bass Players in International Orchestras ]

–

  • Mallol, Genis. Der Kontrabass am Konservatorium in Barcelona: Geschichte, Pädagogik und Einfluss. B.M. Thesis (Bakkalaureatsarbeit), Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2022. Record Link

[ The Double Bass at the Barcelona Conservatory: History, Pedagogy and Influence ]

–

Portuguese School

  • Aguiar, Adriano Augusto Martins da Rocha Oliveira. O Contrabaixo Como Instrumento Solista na Segunda Metade Do Século XIX em Lisboa: Perspectiva Histórica e Analítica, Edição Crítica. Ph.D. Thesis, Universidade de Évora, 2015. Download Page

[ The Romanian School of Double Bass and its Contribution to the Enrichment of the Instrument’s Repertory ]

–

Romanian School

  • Carp, Iustin-Constantin. Școala Românească de Contrabas și Aportul Acesteia la Îmbogățirea Repertoriului Instrumentului. Doctoral Thesis, Universitatea Naţională de Muzică Bucureşti, 2021. Thesis Page – Download Link

[ The Double Bass as a Solo Instrument in The Second Half of The Nineteenth Century Lisbon: Historical and Analytical Perspective, Critical Edition ]

–

  • Prisacariu, Virgil Florin. Interferențe Stilistico-Interpretative între Muzica de Operă și Repertoriul pentru Contrabas în Creația lui Giovanni Bottesini. Teză De Doctorat [ Doctoral Thesis ], Universitatea Națională de Arte “George Enescu” Iași, 2016. Thesis Page – Download Link

[ Stylistic-Interpretative Interferences between Opera Music and the Double Bass Repertoire in the Work of Giovanni Bottesini ]

Note: Although the primary focus of this work is the opus of Bottesini, the thesis also offers a wealth of information on musical life of the city of Iași in Romania, along with the development of bass performance and teaching practice there. The thesis is otherwise 430 pages long and presents exceptional coverage of the Bottesini style and musical forms represented in his opus.

–

–

Bass Players

Azarkhin, Rodion (1931-2007)

  • Stokes, Donovan. Rodion Azarkhin and Kontrabass (1978). D.M. Thesis, Indiana University, 2006. Record Link

–

Benfield, Warren (1913-2001)

  • Ries, Petr. Metodika Kontrabasové hry Warrena A. Benfielda. B.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2003. AMU Library Record

[ The Double Bass Methodology of Warren A. Benfield ]

–

Bille, Isaia (1874-1961)

  • Boswell, Jeffrey W. Comparison of Two Unaccompanied Works for the Double Bass: Organalis by Isaia Bille and Statements and Variants by John Hall. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 1976. Record Link
  • Dahmer, Samuel. Re-editing Isaia Billè’s 24 Studi-Capricci per Contrabbasso a 4 Corde to Modern Notation for Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, The University of Southern Mississippi, 2017. Download Page

–

Bottesini, Giovanni (1821-1889)

Doctoral Theses

  • Amorim, George. The Influence of Giovanni Bottesini (1821-1889) on Pietro Valls (1869-1935): An Analysis of “Homenaje À Bottesini” (1906) by Pedro Valls. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2009. Download Page
  • Gergely, Járdányi. Giovanni Bottesini Élete És Nagybőgőművei A Készülő Műjegyzék Problematikája. D.L.A. Thesis, Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Budapest, 2010. Download Page

[ Giovanni Bottesini’s Life and Works. The List of Compositions in Preparation and the Problematic of Research ]

  • Lee, Shao-Lan. Research, Analysis and Pedagogical Application of Giovanni Bottesini’s Method for Double Bass. D.M. Thesis, Northwestern University, 2003.
  • Magdziarek, Nathalie. Giovanni Bottesini et la Contrebasse à Trois Cordes. [ Doctoral Thesis ], UFR de Musique et Musicologie, Université de Paris-Sorbonne, 1997, Record Link

[ Giovanni Bottesini and the Three-String Double Bass ]

Note: This thesis is not described as “Doctoral” on the library record, yet as it features some 180 pages of text, it is very likely a Doctoral level work.

  • Mehraban, Andrew K. The Genesis of Bottesini’s Gran Quintetto for Two Violins, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass and the Application of the Italian Scordatura. D.M.A. Thesis, Ohio State University, Columbus, 2021. Download Page

Note: This thesis covers the G, D, G variant of the Italian A, D, G three stringed tuning, here called “Italian Scordatura.”

  • Palmer, Andrew E. Giovanni Bottesini in the United States, 1848-1854. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Memphis, 1995.
  • Prisacariu, Virgil Florin. Interferențe Stilistico-Interpretative între Muzica de Operă și Repertoriul pentru Contrabas în Creația lui Giovanni Bottesini. Teză De Doctorat [ Doctoral Thesis ], Universitatea Națională de Arte “George Enescu” Iași, 2016. Thesis Page – Download Link

[ Stylistic-Interpretative Interferences between Opera Music and the Double Bass Repertoire in the Work of Giovanni Bottesini ]

Note: Although the primary focus of this work is the opus of Bottesini, the thesis also offers a wealth of information on musical life of the city of Iași in Romania, along with the development of bass performance and teaching practice there. The thesis is otherwise 430 pages long and presents exceptional coverage of the Bottesini style and musical forms represented in his opus.

  • Ramirez-Castilla, Jaime. Musical Borrowings in the Music for Double Bass by Giovanni Bottesini. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, 2007. Download Page
  • Sorbello, Davide. Giovanni Bottesini: Common Performance Practice and Concerto Di Bravura. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 2021. Download Page
  • Velez, Rafael A. Giovanni Bottesini’s “High B♭ Solo Tuning” (C, F, b♭) and Its Use for Double Bass Solo Repertoire and String/Woodwind Transcriptions. D.M.A. Thesis, Shenandoah University, 2021. Download Page

Masters Theses

  • Cech, Anna-Lena. Ausgesuchte Aspekte der Interpretation in den Kontrabasskonzerten von Bottesini und Vanhal. M.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2015. Record Link
  • Docs, Robert S. Fantasie Sonnambula for Double Bass and Piano by Giovanni Bottesini: An Examination of the Historical Perspectives and Technical Complexities. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 1980. Record Link
  • Garcia Panach, Beatriz. Giovanni Bottesini y el Allegro “Alla Mendelssohn.” M.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2011.
  • Giller, Alexandra Patricia. Experts and Excerpts: the Application of Giovanni Bottesini’s Complete Method for the Contre-Basse to the Preparation of Orchestral Excerpts Taken From the Works of Giuseppe Verdi. M.A. Thesis, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 2015. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” and “Repertoire – Orchestra” headings.

  • Markaryan, Yuriy. “Grand Duo Concertant” für Violine und Kontrabass mit Orchester, Giovanni Bottesini. Meisterarbeit Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2020. Record Link
  • Niederhammer, Josef. “Metodo di Contrabasso” : eine kritische Würdigung des Pädagogischen Werkes von Giovanni Bottesini.” Ergänzungsstudium Thesis, Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst, Vienna, 1993. OBVSG – Record Link

[ “Metodo di Contrabasso”: A Critical Appreciation of the Pedagogical Work of Giovanni Bottesini. ]

[ Giovanni Bottesini : His Life and Work ]

  • Tomeček, Miroslav. Virtuózní Kontrabasové Skladby Giovanniho Bottesiniho Inspirované Evropskou Instrumentální Tvorbou. M.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2020. Download Page

[ Giovanni Bottesini’s Virtuoso Doublebass Pieces Inspired by the European Instrumental Works ]

  • Torres, Josue E. R. Italian Operatic Paraphrasing in Instrumental Music: A Thematic and Performance Practice Study on a Work of Giovanni Bottesini Based on Themes from Vincenzo Bellini’s Opera “il Puritani”. M.M. Thesis, Northwestern State University of Louisiana, 2009.
  • Yeh, Yung-Chuan. Giovanni Bottesini: An Overview of His Life and an Analysis of His Concerto for Double Bass in a Minor. M.M. Thesis, Oklahoma City University, 1996. Record Link

Bachelors Theses

  • Cech, Anna-Lena. Giovanni Bottesini – Kontrabassist, Dirigent und Komponist : mit einer Analyse des Konzerts in h-Moll für Kontrabass und Orchester. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg,  2012. Record Link
  • Dénes-Worowski, Marcell. Aufführungspraxis anhand des Konzerts für Kontrabass und Orchester in h-Moll von Giovanni Bottesini. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2015. Record Link
  • Lee, Andrew Eun. Giovanni Bottesini (1821 – 1889) Konzert Nr. 2 in h-Moll für Kontrabass und Orchester : Analyse und Interpretation. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2010. Record Link
  • Mora Saborío, Juan Pablo. Giovanni Bottesini, Konzert für Kontrabass und Orchester Nr. 2 in h-Moll : eine kompositorisch-technische Weiterentwicklung des Kontrabasses als Soloinstrument. B.A. Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2008.
  • Pazourek, Zdeněk. G. Bottesiniho Allegro di Concerto „alla Mendelssohn” (Rozbor a Porovnání s Mendelssohnovým Houslovým Koncertem E-moll). B.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2020. Download Page – Hdl.handle.net – AMU Library Record

[ G. Bottesini´s Allegro di Concerto „alla Mendelssohn” (An Analysis and Comparison with Mendelssohn´s Violin Concerto E-Minor) ]

  • Rekucki, Adam. Giovanni Bottesini, Kontrabassist, Komponist und Dirigent. B.M. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2008.
  • Tomeček, Miroslav. Virtuózní Kontrabasové Skladby Giovanniho Bottesiniho Inspirované Italskou Operou. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2018. Download Page

[ Giovanni Bottesini’s Virtuoso Double Bass Pieces Inspired by the Italian Opera]

Non-specified Theses

  • Massa, Joachim.,Bravi, Mauro. Giovanni Bottesini ed il Conservatorio di Milano : la formazione. Analisi delle composizioni giovanili a confronto con le opere di L. Rossi e A. Rolla. Milano : Conservatorio di Musica “G. Verdi”, 2006.

–

Černý, František (1861-1940)

  • Císař, Martin. František Černý, Profesor Kontrabasové Třídy Pražské Konzervatoře. B.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 1997. AMU Library Record

[ František Černý, Professor of the Double Bass Class at the Prague Conservatory ]

–

Ciechański, Adam Bronisław (1882 – 1957)

  • Capoccioni, Hunter. Adam Bronisław Ciechański (1882-1957): A Consideration Of Repertoire For The Double Bass Inspired By A Forgotten Virtuoso And Father Of The Polish Double Bass School. D.M.A Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2015. Abstract

–

Dragonetti, Domenico (1763-1846)

Doctoral Theses

  • Bagovska, Petya. Приносът на Драгонети, Ботезини и Кусевицки за Развитието на Контрабасовото Изкуство. [degree not cited] Thesis, Bulgarian State Conservatoire, Sofia, 1985.

[ The Contribution of Dragonetti, Bottesini and Koussevitzky to the Development of Double Bass Art ]

  • Koch, Nanna. Konzertante Kuriositäten: Die Quintette Für Solo-Kontrabass Bzw. Solo-Violine Und Streicher Von Domenico Dragonetti (1763-1846) ; Quellenstudien, Analysen und Edition nach Add. Ms. 17726, The British Library, London. Doctoral Thesis, Universität Heidelberg, 2002.
  • Nemeth, Paul. The Early Publication History of Domenico Dragonetti. D.M.A. Thesis, Northwestern University, 2019.
  • Palmer, Fiona M. Domenico Dragonetti in England (1794-1846): The Career of a Double Bass Virtuoso. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Birmingham, 1994.
  • Pershounin, Alexander. The Three-String Solo Double Bass: Origins, Advantages, and Decline. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Southern Mississippi, 2002. Citation Link
  • Sabuncu, Irmak. A Technical Preparation Guide for the “Dragonetti Concerto” in A Major for Double Bass and Orchestra by Édouard Nanny. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2021. Download Page

Note: This is probably the first thesis that acknowledges the true authorship of the commonly known “Dragonetti Concerto.” Cited also under Nanny, Édouard and where it rightfully belongs.

  • Scelba, Anthony. Domenico Dragonetti, Grand Concert-Piece for Double Bass and Orchestra. D.M.A Thesis, Juilliard School, 1976.

Masters Theses

  • Bainbridge, Alexandra N. An Analysis of the Domenico Dragonetti String Quartets and Their Manuscripts. M.A. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University, 2011. Download Page
  • Kobayashi, Jury T. Domenico Dragonetti: A Case Study of the 12 Unaccompanied Waltzes. M.M. Thesis, University of Western Ontario, 2020. Download Page
  • Laycock, Randolph P. The Dragonetti Concerto in a Major for Double Bass: An Analysis with Biographical and Historical Considerations. M.M. Thesis, Bowling Green State University, 1978. Record Link
  • Nathan, Gregory C. Composing a Cadenza for Dragonetti’s Concerto in a Major / Gregory Charles Nathan. M.A. Thesis [project], California State University, Sacramento, 1982.
  • O’Neal, Neal. The Double Bass Solos of Domenico Dragonetti. M.A. Thesis, University of North Carolina, 1957.
  • Oren, Shy. A Brief Analysis of the Double Bass Concerto in a Major by Domenico Dragonetti. M.M. Thesis, Oklahoma City University, 2006. Record Link
  • Roylance, Philippa M. A Performing Edition of Domenico Dragonetti’s Sole in G for Double Bass and Piano and a Thematic Index of His Miscellaneous Compositions for Double Bass.  M.M. Thesis, University of Queensland, 1986. Abstract
  • Salomon, Georg Paul. Beethoven und Dragonetti: die Sonate g-Moll op. 5/2 auf dem Kontrabass. Meisterarbeit Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2020. Record Link

Bachelors Theses

  • Grif, Egor. Die Entwicklung des Kontrabasses und der Einfluss von Domenico Dragonetti. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2013. Record Link

Note: Cited also under Organology heading.

Non-Doctoral Theses

  • Camilletti, Mario. La Figura e l’opera Di Domenico Dragonetti, Con Particolare Riferimento Ai Concerti per Contrabbasso e Orchestra. Thesis (?), Università degli Studi di Roma, La Sapienza, 1987.

–

Findeisen, Theodor Albin (1881-1936)

  • Matheson, Robert Newell. New Performance Editions of Three Works for Double Bass by Theodor Albin Findeisen (1881-1936). D.M.A. Thesis, University of Arizona, Tucson, 2012. Download Page

–

Fuka, Václav (1933-2014) – Wikidata.org

[ Double Bass Compositions by Václav Fuka ]

–

Gajdoš, Miloslav (1948)

[ Miloslav Gajdoš – Pedagogy and Composing Activities ]

  • Sejkora, Ondřej. Miloslav Gajdoš a Jeho Tvorba pro Sólový Kontrabas. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno. 2022. Download Page

[ Miloslav Gajdoš and his Compositions for Solo Double Bass ]

  • Sejkora, Ondřej. Tvorba Miloslava Gajdoše pro Kontrabas s Doprovodem. B.A. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno. 2024. Download Page

[ Works for Double Bass with Accompaniment by Miloslav Gajdoš ]

  • Trgiňová Dominika. Umělecký profil Miloslava Gajdoše. B.A. Thesis, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Ostrava, 2011. Ostrava Theses Portal

[ The Artist Profile of Miloslav Gajdos ]

–

Gregora, František (1819-1887)

[ The Life and Works of Double Bassist František Gregora ]

  • Procházka, Luboš. František Gregora, Skladatel, Pedagog a Organizátor Hudebního Života na Jihu Čech 19. Století. M.M. Musicology Thesis, Charles University of Prague, 2014. Download Page

[ František Gregora, Composer, Teacher and Mastermind of the 19-century Musical Life in South Bohemia ]

–

Graupner, Gottlieb (1767–1836)

–

Hayes, David (1960)

[ David Heyes – Life and Work ]

–

Hertl, Frantisek (1906-1973)

  • Bíro, Adam. František Hertl und seine Kontrabass-schule. Bachelorarbeit Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2022. Record Link
  • Kořínek, Jan. František Hertl : Concerto per Contrabasso ed Orchestra. B.M. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2004. AMU Library Record
  • Matuška, Martin. Kontrabasista František Hertl. B.M. Thesis. Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno. 2014. Download Page
  • Roederer, Jason K. A Performer’s Guide to Frantisek Hertl’s Concerto for Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Arizona, Tucson, 2009. Download Page
  • Vopálka, Jiří. František Hertl : Život, Dílo, Rozbor Sonáty pro Kontrabas a Klavír. B.M. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 1997. AMU Library Record

[ František Hertl : Life, Works, Analysis of Sonata For Double Bass and Piano ]

–

Horák, Pavel (1940)

  • Valenčík, Juraj. Kontrabasista Pavel Horák. B.M. Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2012. Download Page

[ Double Vassist Pavel Horák ]

–

Karr, Gary

  • Poetzel, Rosemary A. The Influence of Gary Karr, Bass Virtuoso on Modern Double Bass Performance Practices. M.M. Thesis, Northwestern University, 1971.

–

Keyper, Franz (c. 1756 – 1815)

  • Lucas, Flora. Franz Keyper: Concerto No. 1 for Double Bass. M.Phil. Thesis, University of Birmingham. 2016. Download Page

–

Kohaut, Karl (1726-1784)

  • Franková, Jana. Život a Dílo Josefa Kohouta (1734-1777) Jako Příklad Migrace Hudebníků v Osvícenské Evropě. Ph.D. Thesis, Masaryk University, Brno, 2015. Download Page – The section on life of Karl Kohaut pp. 108 – 160.

[ The Life and Works of Joseph Kohaut (1734-1777) as a Contribution to the Study of the Migration of Musicians in Enlightenment Europe ]

–

Koussevitzky, Serge (1874-1951)

Theses that do not relate to the bass field are also included.

Doctoral Theses

  • Stiles, Robert D. Serge Koussevitzky: Recently Discovered Compositions for Double Bass and for Large Ensembles within the Context of His Life and Career. D.M.A Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, 2003. Download Page 1 – Download Page 2
  • Kelley, Maurice E. Performance Practice Issues in the Short Solo Works of Serge Koussevitzky. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2006. Download Page

Note: To find this thesis search by “Kelley, Maurice” in the above link. This thesis is also cited under “Repertoire” heading.

  • Mugmon, Matthew. The American Mahler: Musical Modernism and Transatlantic Networks, 1920-1960 : a Dissertation. Ph.D. Thesis, Harvard University, 2013.

Note: Features the American legacy of Gustav Mahler and the 20th Century conductors: Copland, Koussevitzky and Bernstein.

Masters Theses

  • Chao, Pei. The Boston Symphony Orchestra, Serge Koussevitzky and the Cultivation of French Music in America during the First Half of the Twentieth Century. M.M. Thesis, University of North Texas, 1997.
  • Clayton, Linda G. Koussevitzky, the Man and His Works. M.A. Thesis, California State University, Sacramento, 1975.
  • Hinson, Samuel J. A Brief Analysis of Four Selected Pieces for Double Bass and Piano Composed by Serge Koussevitzky. M.M. Thesis, Oklahoma City University. 2010. Record Link
  • Morgan, Richard S. Critical Reaction to Serge Koussevitzky’s Programming of Contemporary Music with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, 1924-1929. M.A. Thesis, North Texas State University, 1982.
  • Silva, Alfredo Ribeiro da. O Andante do Concerto op.3 de Serge Koussevitzky: Práticas de Performance na sua Gravação Histórica de 1929. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 2016. Download Page 

[ Serge Koussevitzky’s Andante from Concerto op.3: Performance Practices as Represented in his Historical 1929 Recording. ]

  • Zelenka, Martin. Sergej Alexandrovič Kusevický : Kontrabasista, Skladatel, Dirigent a Rozbor Koncertu Fis Moll pro Kontrabas. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 1998. AMU Library Record

[ Sergej Alexandrovič Kousevitzky : Double Bassist, Composer, Conductor and Analysis of The Concerto in F Sharp Minor for Double Bass ]

Bachelors Theses

  • Burghausen, Ingo. Die Bedeutung Sergej Kussewitzkys als Kontrabassist und Komponist. Unveröffentlichte Diplomarbeit, Weimar, 1988.
  • Kober, Franziska. Der Kontrabass : Sergej Koussevitzky. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2007. Record Link
  • Knauer, Johannes. Serge Koussevitzky: Konzert für Kontrabass und Orchester in fis-Moll. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2012. Record Link
  • Ransom, Hilda A. A Study of the Original Concert Programs of the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the Direction of Serge Koussevitzky from 1924 through 1949. Bachelors Thesis, San Jose State College, 1955.
  • Spada, Alessandro. IIl Dinamismo Artistico di Sergei Aleksandrovich Koussevitzky, Il Contrabbasso e Oltre. Conservatorio di Musica Francesco Venezze, Rovigo, 2022. Record Link [ click “Dettaglio” tab for thesis details ]

[ The Artistic Dynamism of Sergei Aleksandrovich Koussevitzky, The Double Bass and Beyond ]

  • Tugcular, Alp Eray. Sergei Aleksandrovich Koussevitzky op. 3 Konzert für Kontrabass. Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2010. Record Link

–

Laska, Gustav (1847-1928)

  • Freeman, Tiffany S. Three Unpublished Works by Gustav Laska: Fantasie Caprice, Fantasie, Op. 4, and Fantasie Pittorico. D.M. Thesis, Indiana University, 2015. Download Page
  • Schönfelder, Michael. Gustav Laska Kontrabassist – Komponist – Pädagoge. Bachelorarbeit, Hochschule für Musik und Theater München, 2019. Record Link 1 – Record Link 2

–

Léandre, Joëlle (1951)

  • Arnaud, Baptiste. Joëlle Léandre and Derek Bailey: The Influences, Ideas and Music of Two Free Improvisors. M.M. Thesis, Syracuse University, 2011.
  • Cesare-Bartnicki, T N. Gender-specific Texts in Contemporary Double Bass Compositions: Jacob Druckman’s Valentine and Joëlle Léandre’s Taxi. (B.M. ?) Thesis, Oberlin College, 1999.

–

Martín, Andrés

  • Matuška, Martin. Andrés Martín – Progresivní Kontrabasová Tvorba 21. Století. Bc.A. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2022. Download Page

[ Andrés Martín – Progressive Double Bass Compositions of the 21st Century ]

–

Masciadri, Milton Romay (1931-2009)

  • Lima, Diogo Baggio. Milton Romay Masciadri: Narrativas (Auto)biográficas sobre uma Escola de Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil, 2015. Download Page

[ Milton Romay Masciadri: (Auto)biographical Narratives about a Double Bass School ]

  • Lima, Diogo Baggio. Milton Romay Masciadri Double Bass School : A Compositional Legacy. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 2019. Record Link

–

Míšek, Adolf (1875-1955)

  • Everss, Einars. Adolf Míšek – Významný Představitel České Kontrabasové Školy. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2017. Download Page

[ Adolf Míšek – A Significant Representative of the Czech Double Bass School ]

  • Lin, Chia-Chen. Adolf Mišek: Kontrabass Sonata Nr. 2, op. 6 : eine künstlerisch-analytische Betrachtung. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2016. Record Link

[ The String Quintet of Adolf Míšek ]

  • Vondráček, Jan. Život a Dílo Kontrabasisty Adolfa Míška a Interpretační Rozbor Jeho Donáty Op.6 – E moll. B.M. Thesis, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Ostrava, 2014. Ostrava Theses Portal [ record only ]

[ The Life and Work of The Double-Bassist Adolf Míšek and an Interpretation Analysis of His Sonata Op. 6 – E Minor ]

–

Meyer, Edgar (1960)

  • Iannaccone, Louanne Marie. Crossing Over in the 21st Century: New Perspectives on Classical Music Through the Work of Mark O’Connor, Edgar Meyer, and Béla Fleck. M.M. Thesis, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, 2005. Download Page

–

Montag, Lajos (1906-1997)

  • Kubina, Péter. Montag Lajos, A Magyar Nagybőgőzés Kiemelkedő Egyénisége. D.L.A. Thesis, Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Budapest, 2008. Download Page

[ Lajos Montag, An Outstanding Figure of Hungarian Double Bass Playing ]

–

Novosel, Josip (1932-2018)

  • Ros, Mihael. Kontrabasistička Škola Josipa Novosela. Master’s Thesis, University of Zagreb, Academy of Music, 2021. Download Page

–

Nanny, Édouard (1872-1942)

  • Sabuncu, Irmak. A Technical Preparation Guide for the “Dragonetti Concerto” in A Major for Double Bass and Orchestra by Édouard Nanny. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2021. Download Page

Note: This is probably the first thesis that acknowledges the true authorship of the commonly known “Dragonetti Concerto.” Cited also under Dragonetti, Domenico for the sake of reference.

–

Obrecht, Eldon (1920-2011)

  • Chiarello, F. M. A Study of Selected Compositions by Eldon Obrecht. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 1994.

–

Osborne, Tony (1947-2019) – Strad Tribute Article

[ Tony Osborne – Contribution to the Double Bass Repertoire ]

–

Petracchi, Franco (1937)

  • Adams, Yannick. Itaský Kontrabasista Franco Petracchi. M.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2018. Download Page

[ Italian Double Bassist Franco Petracchi ]

  • Ritter, Alexandre. Franco Petracchi and the Divertimento Concertante per Contrabbasso e Orchestra by Nino Rota: A Successful Collaboration between Composer and Performer. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 2010. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Composers” – “Nino Rotta”

–

Pošta, František (1919-1991)

[ Czech Double Bassist František Pošta ]

–

Proto, Frank (1941)

  • Ebinger, John N. The Double Bass Music of Frank Proto. D.M.A. Thesis, Arizona State University, 1994.
  • Machado, Marcos P. Francois Rabbath Applied: An Analysis of His Technique for a Successful Performance of Frank Proto’s Music. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2005.

Note: Cited also under “Rabbath, François” and “Bass Technique” headings. 

  • Park, Youn Hee. Analytische und interpretatorische Aspekte und Übungsmethoden zu Werken von Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf und Frank Proto. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2014. Record Link
  • Pinca, Massimo. Le rôle de la tradition orale dans la création pour contrebasse inspiré du jazz. M.A. in Concert Performance. Haute Ecole de Musique de Genève, 2011.

Note: This thesis covers the genesis and interpretative problems of Frank Proto’s Sonata 1963. Also cited under “Repertoire – Solo & Chamber” heading.

  • Vieira, Victor Mesquita. A Carmen Fantasy para Contrabaixo e Piano: Um Estudo Técnico e Interpretativo. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal da Paraí­ba, João Pessoa, 2013. Download Page

[ Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Piano: Technical and Interpretative Study ]

–

Prunner, Joseph (1886-1969)

  • Stotz, Daniel. A Revision of Joseph Prunner’s Progressive Studies for the Double Bass. D.M.A Thesis, Arizona State University, Phoenix, 2012. Download Page

–

Rabbath, François (1931)

  • Bystritskaya, Alina. La Technique pour la Contrebasse de François Rabbath. Doctorate in Letters and Arts Thesis, École doctorale Lettres, langues, linguistique, Arts, Lyon, 2014 – Record Link 1 – Record Link 2

[  The Importance of François Rabbath to the Development of Double Bass Playing ]

  • Greenberg, Michael. François Rabbath: His Career in Documents. M.M. Thesis, Université de Paris, Sorbonne, 1999.
  • Machado, Marcos P. Francois Rabbath Applied: An Analysis of His Technique for a Successful Performance of Frank Proto’s Music. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2005.

Note: Cited also under “Bass Technique” heading]

  • Pellow, David G. The Rabbath Method: Philosophy and Technique in Current Double Bass Pedagogy. D.M.A. Thesis, The University of Southern Mississippi, 2019. Download Page
  • Williamson, Chloe. Francois Rabbath’s “A New Technique for Double Bass” and its orchestral Application. M.Phil. Thesis, The University of Queensland, 2013. Abstract

–

Santoro, Sandrino (1938)

  • Silva, Cláudio Alves e. Trajetória e Análise das Propostas para o Ensino de Sandrino Santoro. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2016. Record Page – click to “Acessar Texto” for Download Link

[ Double Bass Teaching Principles of Professor Sandrino Santoro ]

Note: The Record Page presents Thesis Abstract in English.

–

Scodanibbio, Stefano (1956-2012)

  • Chesanek, Christian. Invention Through The Harmonics Of Stefano Scodanibbio: A Method Of Creative Improvisation For The Contemporary Double Bassist. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 2020. Download Page

–

Scontrino, Antonio (1850-1922)

  • Pineda, Roberto. Editing the Double Bass Concerto of Antonio Scontrino. D.M.A. Thesis, The University of Southern Mississippi, 2020. Download Page
  • Schultz, Michael John. The Double Bass Concerto of Antonio Scontrino. D.M.A. Thesis, Cleveland Institute of Music, 1991.

–

Simandl, Franz (1840-1912)

  • Gaboriau, Austin. Performance Edition of Franz Simandl’s 30 Etudes for the String Bass With Critical Commentary.­ D.M.A. Thesis, University of South Carolina, Columbia, 2020. Download Page
  • Kober, Michaela. Kontrabassschulen : Simandl oder/und Streicher ; Bassisten und deren Lehrwerke. M.A. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2014. Record Link

–

Sperger, Johann Matthias (1750-1812)

Doctoral Theses

  • Beckendorf, Andrea L. Johann Sperger: The Career of a Double Bass Virtuoso and Historical Context for a Performance Edition of His Terzetto for Horn, Viola and Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 2001. Record Page
  • Boucher-Browning, Renaud. Reviving a lost art: improvising cadenzas and lead-ins for the contrabass concertos of J. M. Sperger (1750-1812). D.Mus Thesis, McGuill University, 2021. Download Page
  • Fejérvári, Zsolt. A Nagybőgőjáték Virágkora A XVIII. Században, Különös Tekintettel Johann Matthias Sperger Nagybőgőversenyeire. D.L.A Thesis. Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Budapest, 2013. Download Page

[ The Proliferation of Double Bass Playing in the Early Eighteenth Century, With Special Focus on Johan Matthias Sperger’s Bass Concertos ]

  • Foley, Mark. Critical and Modern Double Bass Performing Editions of a Violone Concerto by J.M. Sperger. D.M. Thesis, Indiana University, 2008. Record Link

Note: This thesis includes the edition of Sperger’s Bass Concerto No. 11.

  • Kioulaphides, Victor. Two Mixed Quartets of J.M. Sperger: The Schwerin Manuscripts. [CIII/24, CIII/25] D.M.A. Thesis, Manhattan School of Music, New York, 1992. Record Link
  • Pecevski, Igor. The Use of the Terzviolone in the Works of Johann Matthias Sperger with an Edition of Concerto No. 13. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Rochester, 1993. ÖNB Record Link 1 – ÖNB Record Link 2
  • Schnackel, Joel Scott. Entrepreneurial Developments in the Life and Works of Johann Sperger (1750-1812). Ph.D. Thesis, University of Memphis, 2021. Download Page

[ Johann Matthias Sperger and his Epoch ]

–
Masters Theses

  • Andjelic-Andzakovic, Darija. The Contrabass Sonatas of Johann Matthias Sperger. M.M. Thesis in Musicology, University of Auckland, 2011.
  • Fletcher, Clive Anthony. The Viennese Double Bass and its Role as a Solo Instrument, 1760-1812. M. Phil. Thesis, University of Kent at Canterbury, United Kingdom, 2001. Record Link

Note: Contains an edition of Sperger’s Concerto No. 14. Cited also under: “Bass History” – “Clasical Period”

  • Mills, Joseph E. Johann Matthias Sperger’s Concerto no. 14 for Contrabass and Orchestra : as an Example of Literature for the Solo Contrabass from the Viennese Classic Period. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 1991. Record Link

[ The Life and Work of Johann Matthias Sperger ]

–
Bahelors Theses

  • Marada, Vojtěch. Johannes Mathias Sperger, Doba, Život a Dílo. B.A. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2020. Download Page

[ Johannes Mathias Sperger, His Era, Life and Work ]

  • Parischewsky, Hernández. Historically Critical Edition of J. M. Sperger’s Sonata for the Modern Double Bass and Viola Obligato in D major M.C I:07. B.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2018.

–

Streicher, Ludwig (1920-2003)

  • Kober, Michaela. Kontrabassschulen : Simandl oder/und Streicher ; Bassisten und deren Lehrwerke. M.A. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2014. Record Link
  • Schranz, Peter. Ludwig Streicher und sein Kontrabass. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2002. Record Link

–

Tabakov, Emil (1947)

  • Petrova, Vasileva Nora. Emil Tabakov, Kontrabasista, Skladatel a Dirigent. B.M. Thesis, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Ostrava, 2014. Ostrava Theses Portal

[ Emil Tabakov, Double Bass Player, Composer and Conductor ]

–

Torello, Anton (1884-1960)

  • Threlkeld, Candis. The “Philadelphia Sound”: The Formative Years (1912-1920). B.M. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 1999. Download Page

 Note: A biographical sketch of Anton Torello at p. 82.

–

Tibay, Zoltán (1910-1989)

  • Cziglényi, Ákos. Tibay Zoltán (1910-1989) : A Prágai Gordon-Iskola Hatása Munkásságára. Kapcsolata a Kortársakkal, Életművének Továbbélése. D.L.A Thesis. Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Budapest, 2011. Download Page

[ Tibay Zoltán (1910-1989) : The Influence of the Prague Double Bass School on His Work. His Relationship with Contemporaries, The Survival of His Work ]

–

Tuláček, Rudolf (1885-1954)  – encyklopedie.brna.cz

[ Rudolf Tuláček – Life and Work ]

  • Staňek, Jan. Rudolf Tuláček – Spoluzakladatel Moravské Kontrabasové Tradice. B.M. Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2004.

[ Rudolf Tuláček – Co-founder of the Moravian Double Bass Tradition ]

Note: Cited in Radanović, Danijel. Rudolf Tuláček – Život a Dílo. B.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2018. p. 25, Note 89, p. 34 (Staňek thesis description)  Thesis Download

–

Valls, Pedro (1869-1935) [also “Pere”]

  • Schauer, Joseph M. An Historical Perspective on Pere Valls: With a Stylistic and Structural Analysis of Suite Andaluza. D.M. Thesis, Ohio State University, 2008. Download Page

–

Vedeguer, Manuel (1908-1988)

  • Ruiz Zanon, Francisco. Manuel Verdeguer Beltrán (Valencia, 1908-San Juan de Puerto Rico,1988) Trayectoria Musical y Aportaciones a la Escuela Moderna del Contrabajo. D. Thesis. Universitat Politècnica de València. Facultad de Bellas Artes, 2020. Download Page

–

Zelenka, Jan Dismas (1679-1745)

  • Bušková, Iveta. Odkaz Jana Dismase Zelenky pro Současnost v Regionu Podblanicko. B.M. Ed. Thesis, Universiteta Karlova, Prague, 2009. Download Page

[ The Heritage of the Jan D. Zelenka in Contemporary Life in Region Podblanicko ]

Note: Contains data relevant to Zelenka’s bass activities.

  • Hogan, Shelley Christine. The Ripieno Bass Section of the Dresden Hofkapelle during the Reign of August the Strong, 1709–1733: Players, Repertoire, Performance. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Melbourne, 2017. Download Link

Note: Features a biography of Zelenka on pp. 183-190 and Personal Records of Zelenka on Table 29, pp. 189-191 where his official instrument/function is cited either as Contre Basse, Violonist, Bassist or Contra Basso, & Compositeur from 1730 on.

  • Paličková, Jitka. Sborová A Kantátová Tvorba Jana Dismase Zelenky V Kontextu České Hudební Emigrace První Poloviny 18. Století. M. Ed. Thesis, Universiteta Karlova, Prague, 2011. Download Page

[ The Choral and Cantata Compositions of Jan Dismas Zelenka in the Contex of Czech Music Emigration in the First Half of the 18th Century ]

Note: Contains data relevant to Zelenka’s bass activities.

–

Zimmermann, Frederick (1906-1967)

  • Blumenthal, Jay S. Frederick Zimmermann: Double Bass Performer and Pedagogue. Ph.D. Thesis, New York University, 1983.

–

General Studies About Bass Players 

[ The Most Prominent Double Bassists of the 20th and 21st Centuries ]

  • Kozenko, Lisa. The New York Chamber Music Society, 1915-1937: A Contribution to Wind Chamber Music and a Reflection of Concert Life in New York City in the Early 20th Century. D.M.A. Thesis, City University of New York, 2013. Download Page 

Note: Features biographies of Ludwig Manoly, p.48; pp. 216-217 ; Emil Mix p. 216 ; Gaston Brohan, p. 217-218 ; Anselm Fortier, p. 218 ; Robert Brennand, p. 218-219.

–

–

Bass Players – Jazz

Blanton, James

  • Campbell, Jeffrey R. Two Profiles in the Development of Jazz Bass Playing: A Study of Jimmy Blanton and Ron Carter. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Rochester, 2002.
  • Nash, Robert. The Solo Vocabulary of Jazz Bassist Jimmie Blanton. D.M.A Thesis, Louisiana State University, 1999.
  • Taylor, Michael E. James Blanton, Raymond Brown, and Charles Mingus: A Study of the Development of the Double Bass in Modern Jazz. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Pittsburgh, 2001.

–

Brown, Raymond

  • Taylor, Michael E. James Blanton, Raymond Brown, and Charles Mingus: A Study of the Development of the Double Bass in Modern Jazz. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Pittsburgh, 2001.

–

Carter, Ron

  • Campbell, Jeffrey R. Two Profiles in the Development of Jazz Bass Playing: A Study of Jimmy Blanton and Ron Carter. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Rochester, 2002.
  • Sturm, Hans M. Jazz Scaling for the Double Bass: Selected Recordings of Ron Carter and Richard Davis. D.M. Thesis, Northwestern University, 1995.
  • Yager, William A. W. Transcription and Analysis of Ron Carter’s Basslines from Four Selected Recordings of Autumn Leaves: A Report of a Senior Study. B.M. Thesis, Maryville College, 2010.

–

Chambers, Paul

  • Faires, Joel B. Solo Vocabulary of the Bebop Bassist: The Recordings of Paul Chambers, 1956-1959. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2010.

–

Davis, Richard

  • Sturm, Hans M. Jazz Scaling for the Double Bass: Selected Recordings of Ron Carter and Richard Davis. D.M. Thesis, Northwestern University, 1995.

–

Feraud, Hadrien (1984)

  • Gadermaier, Robin. Hadrien Feraud : eine Untersuchung seiner Spieltechniken auf dem fünfsaitigen E-Bass. B.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2017.

–

Gomez, Eddie

  • Ge, Tianyuan (Ken). Bright Bass Timbres in the “Dark Age” of Jazz: Eddie Gomez, Three Quartets, Transgression, and Transcendence. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 2018. Download Page
  • Holgate, Gary. A Fragmented Parallel Stream: The Bass Lines of Eddie Gomez in the Bill Evans Trio. M.M. Thesis, University of Sydney, 2009. Download Page

–

Guy, Barry (1947)

  • Schellander, Matija. Unique Sounds – Die Kontrabassisten Barry Guy, Peter Herbert und Dave Holland im Vergleich. B.M. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien. 2008.

–

Haden, Charlie

  • Hirst, Brett. The Place of the Bass: A Study of Charlie Haden’s Accompaniment of Don Cherry’s Solo on “the Face of the Bass”. M.M. Thesis, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 2006.
  • Pinheiro, Hamilton. Jazz Method Books Versus Actual Performance: The Case Study of Charlie Haden. M.M. Thesis, University of Louisville, 2018. Record Link
  • Shadduk, Anthony. Charlie Haden, Scott Lafaro, and Harmolodics: Bass Styles in Ornette Coleman’s Free Jazz. M.M. Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2006.
  • Zwartz, Jonathan. Selected Solos of Charlie Haden: Transcriptions and Analysis. M.Phil. Thesis, Australian National University, 2006.

–

Herbert, Peter (1960)

  • Schellander, Matija. Unique Sounds – Die Kontrabassisten Barry Guy, Peter Herbert und Dave Holland im Vergleich. B.M. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien. 2008.

–

Hinton, Milt (1910-2000)

  • Kipperman, Jeffrey. Milt “The Judge” Hinton: A Musical Analyses. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami,  2016. Download Page

–

Holland, Dave

  • Heffner, Steven. An Analysis of Dave Holland’s Free Improvisation in “Waterfall” and Its Pedagogical Applications for Bassists in Avant-Garde Performance. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2019. Download Page
  • Oh, Linda M.-H. New Method of Rhythmic Improvisation for the Jazz Bassist: An Interdisciplinary Study of Dave Holland’s Rhythmic Approach to Bass Improvisation and North Indian Rhythmic Patterns. B.M. Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Australia, 2006. Download Page
  • Schellander, Matija. Unique Sounds – Die Kontrabassisten Barry Guy, Peter Herbert und Dave Holland im Vergleich. B.M. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien. 2008.
  • Schöberl, Bettina. Dave Holland – Historische und analytische Perspektive. Ph.D. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz, 2016. Record Link – Info
  • Teppa, Gonzalo. Dave Holland: His Legacy and Double Bass Technique. M.M. Thesis, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2007. Record Link

–

Johnson, Marc (1953)

  • Helsley, Jack D. The Evolution of the Improvisational Vocabulary of Marc Johnson. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2016. Download Page

–

LaFaro, Scott (1936-1961)

  • Boudreau, Jonathan-Guillaume. Étude et Intégration Des Innovations du Contrebassiste et Compositeur Américain Scott LaFaro. Doctoral Thesis, Université Laval, Québec, 2023 Download Page

[ Study and Integration of the Innovations by American Double Bassist and Composer Scott LaFaro ]

  • Clark, Rowan. An Analysis of the Bass Playing of Scott LaFaro as Part of the Bill Evans Trio, 1959-1961. M.M. Thesis, Massey University, New Zealand, 2014. Download Page
  • Hernandez, Leonardo Arguello. Scott Lafaro’s Life and His Soloing Approach As a Member of the Bill Evans Trio (1959 – 1961). M.M. Thesis, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2019. Download Page
  • Shadduk, Anthony. Charlie Haden, Scott Lafaro, and Harmolodics: Bass Styles in Ornette Coleman’s Free Jazz. M.M. Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2006.
  • Torós, Bruno Repsold. A Arte da Conversação : Uma Análise do Contrabaixista Scott Lafaro e da Interação no Bill Evans Trio em 1959 e 1961. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2016. Record Link

 

Mitchell, Red

  • Bright, Stephen Thomas. Red Mitchell: Tuning in Fifths and the Walking Bass Line. M.A. Thesis, York University, Toronto, 2013. Download Page
  • Sloan, Gary Charles. Bebop And Lyricism: Characteristics and Innovations of Jazz Bassist Red Mitchell 1948-1961. M.M. Thesis, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2015. Record Link

–

Mingus, Charles

Doctoral Theses

  • Horton, Ernest A. Charles Mingus and the Paradoxical Aspects of Race As Reflected in His Life and Music. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Pittsburgh, 2007.
  • Rustin, Nichole T. Mingus Fingers: Charles Mingus, Black Masculinity, and Postwar Jazz Culture. Ph.D. Thesis, New York University, 1999.
  • Taylor, Michael E. James Blanton, Raymond Brown, and Charles Mingus: A Study of the Development of the Double Bass in Modern Jazz. Ph. D. Thesis, University of Pittsburgh, 2001.

Masters Theses

  • Robinson, Jason L. Intersecting Musical Identities. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2000.

–

Ørsted Pedersen, Niels Henning (1946-2005)

  • Butterfield, Craig. The Improvisational Language of Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen: A Performance Study. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2008. Download Page
  • Larsson, Emma. Hur Övar Jag?: En Observationsstudie Med Fokus på det Egna Lärandet av ett Solo av Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. Independent Thesis Basic Level (sic) (BM?). Karlstad University, 2014. Download Page

[ How I practice? An Observational Study with Focus on the Learning Process of a Solo by Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen ]

Note: Cited also in “Jazz” heading.

–

Patitucci, John (1959)

  • Cavalli, Massimo. Double Bass and Electric Bass: The Case Study of John Patitucci. Ph.D. Thesis, Universidade de Évora, 2016. Download Page

–

Peacock, Gary (1935)

  • Miller, Aaron N. Gary Peacock: Zen Bass. M.M. Thesis, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2008. Record Link
  • Sabin, Robert W. Gary Peacock: Analysis of Progressive Double Bass Improvisation 1963-1965. Ph.D. Thesis, New York University, 2015. Record Link

–

Pettiford, Oscar (1922-1960)

  • Jackson, Stephen. An Analysis of Oscar Pettiford’s Improvisation Styles on the Bass and the Cello. D.M.A Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2009.

–

Ray, Carline (1925-2013)

  • Schlicht, Ursula. “It’s gotta be music first”: zur Bedeutung, Rezeption und Arbeitssituation von Jazzmusikerinnen. Ph.D. Thesis, Universität Hamburg, n.d. [2000?]

Note: Please see the Chapter “Carline Ray – der lange Weg zum Kontrabaß.” This thesis is also issued as a book. Cited in ABP Books.

–

Swallow, Steve

  • Waters, Andrew J. Steve Swallow: Electric Bass Innovator with Analysis of Selected Works. Ph.D. Thesis, New York University, 2003.



–

Bass Players – Ethnic / Folk Music

Cachao – Israel López

  • Jarvis, Willis M. Israel López “cachao”: The Godfather of Cuban Bass : the History and Development of the Bass in Cuban Popular Music. M.A. Thesis, York University, Toronto, 2011.

–

Rivera, Eddie “Gua-gua”

  • Tejada, Douglas. Stylistic analysis of two influential salsa bassists : Eddie “Gua-gua” Rivera and Salvador Cuevas : a doctoral essay. D.M.A Thesis, University of Miami, 2004.

–

Cuevas, Salvador

  • Tejada, Douglas. Stylistic analysis of two influential salsa bassists : Eddie “Gua-gua” Rivera and Salvador Cuevas. D.M.A Thesis, University of Miami, 2004.



–

Bass in Orchestra

Doctoral Theses

  • Amaral, Claudia Silva Do. Analysis of the Technical Literature for Double Bass Applied to Orchestral Excerpts. D.M.A Thesis, University of Georgia, Athens, 2018. Download Page  
  • Antunes, Alexandre Araujo. Mozart’s Late Symphonies in Double Bass Auditions: A Historical, Technical and Stylistic Investigation of Selected Orchestral Double Bass Parts. [unidentified] Brazil, ?.
  • Buckley, Stephen. Beethoven’s Double Bass Parts: The Viennese Violone and the Problem of Lower Compass. D.M.A. Thesis, Rice University, 2013. Download Page
  • Bang, Jon. The Principles of Orchestration ; Analysis, Theory and Practice. M.M. Thesis in Musicology, Norweigian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, 2013. Download Page
  • De Kock, Benjamin. Orchestral Bass Excerpts: An Approach to Informed Performances. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2013. Record Link
  • Edgerton, Sara A. The Bass Part in Haydn’s Early Symphonies: A Documentary and Analytical Study. D.M.A. Thesis, Cornell University, 1989.
  • Gill, Samuel. Orchestral Bowing for The Double Bass as Applied to Passages from The First Symphony of Beethoven. D.M.A. University of Colorado, Boulder, 1986. Record Link
  • Mann, Adrian Owens, Double Bass Soli in Symphonic and Operatic Literature. D.M.A. Thesis, The Catholic University of America, 1975. Record Link
  • Ostlund, Sandor Christeson. A Compilation and Study of Twentieth-Century Double Bass Solos from the Orchestral Literature. D.M.A. Thesis, Rice University, 2001. Download Page
  • Scheid, Yvonne W. The Evolution of the Double Bass in the Orchestra. M.M. Thesis, Bowling Green State University, 1991. Record Link
  • Shih, Wen-Ling. Simplification and Octavation in Double Bass Performance: An Overview of Historical and Contemporary Practices. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2017. Download Page – Lecture Audio Recording with Transcript
  • Spadaro, John A. The String Bass: Its Expanding Role in the Orchestra. M.S. Thesis, Danbury State College, 1966.

–

Masters Theses

  • Hoe, Jonathan. Using Orchestral Repertoire in Double Bass Pedagogy. M.M. Thesis, The California State University, Northridge, 2023. Download Page
  • Kobešćak, Eduard. Razvoj Kontrabasa u Klasičnom Orkestru.  M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2013. Record Link
  • Millan, Adam.  Razvoj Kontrabasa u Orkestru Kroz Povijest.  M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2018. Record Link
  • Neunteufel, Dominik. Der Kontrabass im Statz von Richard Strauss : eine historische Aufarbeitung. M.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien. 2015.

Note: Cited also under “Composers – Straus, Richard” heading.

  • Raška, Martin. Orchestrální Kontrabasová Sóla a Soli II. M.M. Thesis. Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno. 2017. Download Page

[ The Orchestra Bass Solos II. ]

Note: This work presents the bass audition excerpts that are common in Czech Republic and abroad. This thesis itself is a continuation of Raška’s B.M. thesis with the same title that is listed below under Bachelor theses.

  • Veleta, Jakub. Historie a Současnost Kontrabasové Skupiny Filharmonie Bohuslava Martinů Zlín. M.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2020. Download Page

[ Past and Present of the Double-bass Section of the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra Zlín (from the thesis abstract) ]

  • Wimmer, Christoph. Die Kontrabassgruppe der Wiener Philharmoniker im Wandel der Zeit. Master-Arbeit. Anton Bruckner Privatuniversität Linz, 2012. Abstract – Record Link

–

Bachelor Theses

  • Eisaks, Matiss. Historie Kontrabasové Skupiny Lotyšského Národního Symfonického Orchestru. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2018. Download Page

[ A History of the Double Bass Section of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra ]

[ Double Bass Section of The Czech Philharmonic ]

  • Li, Yongrui. Kontrabass als Orchesterinstrument. B.M. Thesis (Diplomarbeit), Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2015. Record Link
  • Petrova, Vasileva Nora. Uplatnění Kontrabasových Sól v Orchestrálním Repertoáru. B.M. Thesis, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Ostrava, 2017. Ostrava Theses Portal

[ Applying Double Bass Solos in the Orchestral Repertoire ]

  • Raška, Martin. Kontrabasová Orchestrální Sóla. B.M. Thesis. Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno. 2014. Download Page
  • Smutný, Jozef. Interpretace Kontrabasových Partů v Beethovenových Symfoniích č. 3, 5 a 9. B.A Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2024. Download Page

[ Interpretation of the Double Bass Parts in Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 3, 5 and 9 ]

–

Other Research Works

  • Ward, Benjamin. A study and comparison of the diverse approaches to the double bass in the major orchestras of Europe and Britain / Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia – Dr Iain Medgett Scholarship for the Study of Classical Strings, Report, Sydney, 2013. Download Link

–

–

Bass in Orchestra – Auditions

  • Azcona Saumell, Roger. Cómo Preparar una Audición de Contrabajo para Orquesta. M.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2012.
  • Ess, Markus. Positiver Umgang mit Lampenfieber durch Mentaltraining. B.A. Thesis.  Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2014.

[ Positive Handling of Stage Fright Through Mental Training ]

  • Plüddemann, Maja. Orchesterstellen im Rahmen des Kontrabassprobespiels. M.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2014. Record Link

–

–

Bass in Chamber Music

[ The Specific Function of Double Bass in Chamber Music ]

[ Czech Nonet ]

Note: This thesis is about Czech Nonet ensemble that was founded in 1924 by students of the Prague Conservatory. This ensemble has inspired a series of nonet compositions by a number of contemporary composers, including Prokofiev, Lutoslawský and Martinů. The full discography of Czech Nonet consists of some forty-five LP Records produced by Supraphon, Panton and Harmonia Mundi companies.

–

–

Bass Technique

Doctoral Theses

  • Thelin, Håkon. Multiphonics on the Double Bass. Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo, (PhD) Thesis, 2011. Download Page

Note: The featured document may also be an article realted to the thesis.

  • Hellenkemper, Nicolas. Instrumentalvibrato im 19. Jahrhundert: Technik, Anwendung, Notationsformen ; mit einem Ausblick ins 20. Jahrhundert. Ph.D. Thesis, Universität Münster, 2006.

Note: Please see Chapter III. Instrumentenentwicklung im 19. Jahrhundert, Kontrabass, p. 55. Issued also as a book, cited in ABP Books.

  • Lee, Chang Hyun, Adoption of Fundamental Cello Techniques to the Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, 2022. Download Page

Note:  This is an interesting work about the possibility to transfer cello technique elements to the double bass. This thesis is also of interest since it was written by a violoncellist and not a bass player.

  • Long, Ashley John. The Creative Application of Extended Techniques for Double Bass in Improvisation and Composition. Ph.D. Thesis. Cardiff University, 2020. Download Page
  • Machado, Marcos P. Francois Rabbath Applied: An Analysis of His Technique for a Successful Performance of Frank Proto’s Music. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2005.

Note: Cited also under “Bass Players” – “Rabbath, Francois”

  • Meyer, Mariechen. Contemporary Double Bass Techniques: An Advanced Technical Approach. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2018. Download Page
  • Mick, James Paul. An Analysis of Double Bass Vibrato: Rates, Widths, and Pitches As Influenced by Pitch Height, Fingers Used, and Tempo. Ph.D. Thesis, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 2012. Download Page
  • Ousley, Larry J. Solo Techniques for Unaccompanied Pizzicato Jazz Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 2007. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Jazz” heading.

  • Priester, Michael John. Double Bass Intonation: A Systematic Approach to Solo and Ensemble Playing. D.M. Thesis, Indiana University, 2015. Download Page
  • Utter, Jeffery M. The Double Bass as a Solo Voice in Flamenco Music. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2015. Download Page

–

Masters Theses

  • Benteler, Brett. Teaching Select Requisite Fundamental Double Bass Technique. M.A. Thesis, Northeastern Illinois University, 2016. Record Link
  • Bromander, Vilhelm. Solokontrabas: Hur Akustik, Intonation och Perception Inspirerat till ny Musik. M.M. Thesis, Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Department of Jazz, 2017. Download Page
  • Foley, Marta Carvalho. “Oh, Where we shall go… – Semi-Improvised Performance Involving Modified Double Bass With Gamified Public Interaction.” M.A. Thesis,   ESMAE – Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, 2023. Download Page – hdl.handle.net
  • Grauer, Jay R. The Double Bass in Recital: Some Practical Aspects of Solo Technique. M.A. Thesis, American University, Washington, DC, 1961.
  • Heilbron, Jonathan. Diverse Approaches to Instrumental Virtuosity on the Double Bass. Meisterarbeit Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2018. Record Link
  • Isham, Timothy J. A Comparison of Extended Technique Use in Three Works for the Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, Bowling Green State University, 1996.

Note: Cited also under “Composers”: “Cithara, Paul” and “Rickman, Jacob”

  • Medeiros, Ricardo A. New Sounds on the Double Bass. M.Phil. Thesis, University of London, 1990.
  • Nachtergaele, Shanti. Extemporaneous Bass Line Reduction in Historical Double Bass Playing. M.A. Thesis, Penn Sate University, 2017. Download Page
  • Rosa, Alexandre Silva. Técnicas estendidas na performance e no ensino do contrabaixo acústico no Brasil. M.M Thesis, Sao Paulo, 2012. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Takacs, Cody. Developing Vocal Techniques in Contemporary Solo Double Bass Repertoire. M.M. Thesis, Royal Conservatory of The Hague, 2016. RCat Download Page (left item)

Note: This thesis presents the vocalization techniques required for the performance of contemporary solo bass pieces and the repertoire that requires such a technique. Cited also under “Repertoire – Solo & Chamber” heading.

–

Bachelor Theses

  • Beyer, Hannes. Med Fingrarna på Kontrabasen: En Kvalitativ Studie av Tre Kontrabasisters Syn på Sin Teknik. Independent Thesis Basic Level (sic) (BM?). Karlstad University, 2014. Download Page

[ Fingers on the Double Bass : A Qualitative Study of Three Double Bass Players’ View of Their Technique ]

  • Cvitkovac, Sandra. Der Kontrabass und sein Weg zum Soloinstrument. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2007. Record Link
  • Daino, Eric. The Double Bass: A Technical Study of Timbre. BM in M. Th. Thesis, University of Delaware, 2010. Download Page
  • Lee, Andrew Eun. Der Kontrabass und Technik im Vergleich. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2010. Record Link
  • Meyer, Nikola. Anmerkungen zum Kontrabass bei Hector Berlioz, Richard Strauss und Franz Simandl : Vergleichende Textanalyse Und Kommentar. B.M. Thesis, Univ. für Musik und Darstellende Kuns, Graz, 2007. Record Link
  • Milojicic, Stefan. Methodic and Technique for Double Bass. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2013. Record Link
  • Piljic, Goran. Der Solo-Kontrabass : die Aufführungspraxis in der Gegenwart. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg / Vorarlberger Landeskonservatorium, Feldkirch, 2016. Record Link
  • Russo, Louis Shea. Virtuosi of the European Art Music Tradition and Their Influence on the Development of the Double Bass. B.M. Thesis, Wesleyan University, CT, 2011. Record Link
  • Tugcular, Alp Eray. Instrumententechnische und historische Entwicklungen des Kontrabasses. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2010. Record Link

–

–

Bass Technique – Ethnic / Folk Music

  • Jensen, Spencer. Adapting North American Fiddle Bow Technique to the Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of South Carolina, 2022. Download Page
  • Marcipar, Iris. Articulations and Percussive Effects in Tango Double Bass Lines. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 2024. Download Page

–

–

Bass Technique – Harmonics

Doctoral Theses

  • Denson, Jeff. Melodic and Chordal Applications for Harmonics on the Double Bass: A Study of Techniques, Chords, and Compositions. D.M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2010. Download Page
  • Payton, Leonard R, Contrabass Harmonic Potential: A Study in Acoustics and Composition. Ph.D. Thesis, La Jolla: University of California, San Diego, 1988. Details

Note: This thesis consists of the performance and written section. It features “Autumn Quiet” music for viola and double bass, “Third Quiet Music” for 8 Double Basses and “Neun Heikele Etüden” for solo double bass.

–

Masters Theses

  • Kowal, Karol. Double Bass Harmonics : A Brief Analysis of Physical Properties, Notation and Performance Practicee in Selected Works. M.M. Thesis, Oklahoma City University, 2009. Record Link
  • Svoboda, Helen. Vegetable Bass: An Exploration of the Partial Series Upon the Double-Bass through Modes of Vegetable-Themed Composition; a Journey in Soloistic Development and Extended Technique. Master Thesis, Conservatorium Maastricht, Zuyd Hogeschool, 2020. Download Page  WorldCat Link
  • Woodrich, Dennis L. Multi-nodal Performance Technique for Contrabass Harmonics. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 1980.

–

–

Bass Tunings

Doctoral Theses

  • Bright, Stephen T. The Contrabass Tuned in Fifths: Towards an Understanding of Past and Present Applications. Ph.D. Thesis, The University of Western Ontario, 2022. Download Link
  • Huhn, Kevin M. Minimalism in Solo Bass Writing and Its Connection to the Tradition of Viennese Tuning. D.M.A. Thesis, Hartt School, University of Hartford, 2019. Record Link
  • Jackson, Bruce R. The G-D-G-C Scordatura Tuning for the Double Bass: A Historical Survey, Theoretical Rationale, Pedagogical Study, and Compositional Demonstration. D.A. Thesis, Ball State University, 1996. Record Link
  • Morgan, Cassidy Andrew. Exploring Viennese Tuning and Its Benefits for the Modern Double Bassist. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Maryland, 2016. Download Page

Masters Theses

  • Bright, Stephen Thomas. Red Mitchell: Tuning in Fifths and the Walking Bass Line. M.A. Thesis, York University, Toronto, 2013. Download Page
  • d’Ippolito, Gustavo. Der Klang des Kontrabasses in der Wiener Klassik und die Entwicklung der Wiener Stimmung Praxis bis 2020. M.A. Thesis. Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2020.
  • Graves, Roger A. Modern Performance Practices Regarding Bass Tuning Systems. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 2019. Record Page
  • Rus, Grega. Nastanek Različnih Uglasitev Kontrabasa kot Posledica Razvoja Tega Inštrumenta. M.M. Thesis, Akademija za Glasbo, Ljubljana, 2019. Record Link

[ The Emergence of Different Bass Tunings as a Result of Instrument Development ]

  • Schilling, Theresa. Der Wiener Kontrabass. Masterarbeit (Masters Thesis), Universität Mozarteum Salzburg, 2020, CD-Aufnahme. Record Link
  • Valenčík, Juraj. Vývoj Kontrabasu a Jeho Ladění. M.M. Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2014. Download Page

[ The Evolution of Double Bass and its Tuning ]

–

–

Composers

Amato, Salvador (1928-1994)

  • Olivares, Rodrigo. Habanera, Sonatina, Malambo e Carnavalito de Salvador Amato: aspectos históricos, analíticos e edições de performance. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2015. Download Page
  • Olivarez, Rodrigo Guillermo Olivárez. Fantasia Concertante, Vals romantico de Ana, Estudio Concierto e Estudio Capricho, de Salvador Amato: Aspectos Históricos, Analíticos, Pedagógicos em Arranjos e Edições de Performance. Doctoral Thesis, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte: PPGMUS-UFMG, 2019. Record Link

[ Fantasia Concertante, Vals romantico de Ana, Estudio Concierto e Estudio Capricho, by Salvador Amato: Historical, Analytical and Pedagogical Aspects in Performance Arrangements and Editions. ]

–

Annunziata, Mauricio (1971)

  • De La Cruz Daga, Nathaniel. Concerto “Andino” by Mauricio Annunziata: A New Work for Double Bass Inspired by Andean Music. D.M.A. Thesis, Arizona State University, 2022. Download Page

Note: This thesis comes along with the full recording of this Concerto in the MP3 format. You can download this MP3 from the same page where you can download the thesis.

–

Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685-1750)

  • Chen, Der-Shiuan. Interpretation and Execution of Chords on the Double Bass from Select Movements of the Bach Cello Suites. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2018. Donwload Page
  • Thomasz, Ştefan. Transcriere şi Adaptare Pentru Contrabas în Creaţia lui J. S. Bach. Doctor în Muzică Thesis. Universitatea Naţională de Muzică, Bucarest, 2007.

[ Transcriptions and Arrangements for Double Bass from J. S. Bach’s Opus ]

Note: Cited also under “Repertoire – Solo & Chamber” heading.

–

Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770-1827)

  • Mathews, Beatrice S. A Study and Comparison of Beethoven’s Septet and Schubert’s Octet. B.M. Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA. 1959.
  • McWilliams, Jonathan. A Double Bass Transcription Sonata of Beethoven’s G Minor Cello Sonata Op. 5 No. 2. D.M.A. Thesis. University of Georgia, 2020. Download Page  WorldCat Link
  • Li, I. Jung. Performing Beethoven Op. 5 No. 2 on Double Bass : on Dragonetti’s Steps. Bachelor Thesis, Universität Mozarteum Salzburg, 2022. OBVSG – Record Link
  • Salomon, Georg Paul. Beethoven und Dragonetti: die Sonate g-Moll op. 5/2 auf dem Kontrabass. Meisterarbeit Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2020. Record Link
  • Smutný, Jozef. Interpretace Kontrabasových Partů v Beethovenových Symfoniích č. 3, 5 a 9 . B.A Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2024. Download Page

[ Interpretation of the Double Bass Parts in Beethoven’s Symphonies No. 3, 5 and 9 ]

–

Beyer, Johanna Magdalena (1888-1944)

  • Craddock, Mary Christine. Performance, Analysis, and Interpretation in the Solo Double Bass Works of Johanna Magdalena Beyer and Vivian Fine. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Oklahoma, 2015. Download Page

–

Boccherini, Luigi

  • Amsterdam, Ellen I. The String Quintets Of Luigi Boccherini. Ph.D. Thesis, University of California, Berkeley, 1968.
  • Smith, Alan M. A Performance Edition and Historical Documentation of an Unpublished Cello Sonata in E Flat Major by Luigi Boccherini. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, 1977.

–

Bottesini, Giovanni (1821-1889)

Please check under Bass Players heading

–

Breuncih, Johann Michael (1699-1755)

  • Green, J David. A Concerto for Solo Transverse Flute, Two Violins and Bass by Johann Michael Breunich: An Edition. D.M.A. Thesis, Conservatory of Music. University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1981.

–

Cage, John (1912-1992)

  • Hanhikoski, Oskari. John Cage: Ryoanji : Basistin Sukellus Kivipuutarhaan. B.M. Thesis, Metropolia University, Helsinki, 2013. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents a perception of a rehearsal process from a point of a double bassist, and also how a double bass part allows multiple artistic approaches to this composition.

–

Carter, Elliot (1908-2012)

  • Song, Nahee. Analysis and Performance Guide for Figment III by Elliott Carter. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 2020. Download Page
  • Wentworth, Rion. Twenty-first Century Works for the Solo Double Bass by Elliott Carter and Mario Davidovsky: Analyses of Figment Iii and Synchronisms No. 11 and a Brief History of the Development of the Double Bass Since 1960. D.M.A. Thesis, The Juilliard School, 2011.

–

Chihara, Paul (1938)

  • Isham, Timothy J. A Comparison of Extended Technique Use in Three Works for the Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, Bowling Green State University, 1996.

Note: Chihara, P. – “Logos” analysis, also cited under “Technique” heading.

–

Constant, Marius (1925-2004)

  • Madurell, François. Recherches sur le Timbre, la Théâtralisation et le Lyrisme : dans Les Trois Complexes pour Piano avec Contrebasse de Marius Constant. [ Doctoral Thesis ], UFR de Musique et Musicologie, Université Paris-Sorbonne, 1991, Record Link

[ Research on Timbre, Theatricalization and Lyricism : in Les Trois Complexes for Piano with Double Bass by Marius Constant ]

Note: Although the record does not indicate a Doctoral work, the size of some 188 pages implies a substantial work that may belong to a Doctoral level.

–

Crumb, George

  • Myhr, Brian D. Madrigals, Book I, by George Crumb: An Explanation of the Harmonics and Rhythmic Complexities for the Double Bass Performer. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 1978.

–

Dittersdorf, Carl Ditters von

[ Karl Ditters von Dittrsdorf – Double Bass Concertos ]

  • González Almendárez, Omar. Musical analysis: Dittersdorf concert no. 2 on E major four double bass. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2012. Record Link
  • Hamberger, Martha Luise. Interpretatorische Aspekte zu Dittersdorfs Kontrabasskonzert Nr. 2 in E-Dur. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2019. Record Link
  • Medina Veiga, Felipe Javier. Ausgaben für den Modernen Kontrabass : das Dittersdorf Konzert. B.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien. 2007.
  • Park, Youn Hee. Analytische und interpretatorische Aspekte und Übungsmethoden zu Werken von Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf und Frank Proto. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2014. Record Link
  • Schilling, Theresa Franziska. Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf – Konzert Nr. 2 für Kontrabass in E-Dur. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2017. Record Link

–

Donatoni, Franko (1927-2000)

  • Cho, Han Han. Double Bass: Transcribed and Contemporary Repertoire. D.M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2010. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents also an overview of Franko Donatoni’s works for double bass, pp.16-65.

–

Druckman, Jacob

  • Isham, Timothy J. A Comparison of Extended Technique Use in Three Works for the Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, Bowling Green State University, 1996. [Druckman, J, – “Valentine” analysis, also cited under “Technique” heading]

Note: This thesis presents an analysis of Druckman’s famous “Valentine.” The thesis is also cited under “Technique” heading.

–

Dvorak, Antonin (1841-1904)

  • Andreani, Robert P. An Analysis of the Serenade in D Minor, Opus 44, by Antonin Dvorak. B.M. Thesis, Stanford University, 1976.
  • Bartoschová, Iva. Antonín Dvořák: Smyčcový Kvintet G Dur Op. 77 – Rozbor Skladby. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2019. Download Page – Hdl.handle.net – AMU Library Record

[ Antonín Dvořák: String Quintet in G Major Op. 77 – Analysis of the Composition ]

  • Benda, Kaleb. An Analysis and Rehearsal Considerations of Antonin Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor, Op.44. M.M. Thesis, Oklahoma City University, 2018. Record Link

[ Chamber Music of Antonín Dvořák ]

  • Thornhill, Margaret L. A Parallel Study of Two Wind Serenades: Mozart’s K. 361 and Dvorak’s Opus 44. D.M.A Thesis [term project], Stanford University, 1975.

Note: Cited also under “Composers” – “Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus”

–

Ellis, David (1933)

  • Ma, Yi-Hung. David Ellis’s Seven Solo and Works for Double Bass: A Performer’s Guide. A.Mus.D. Thesis [essay project], University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2019. Record Link

–

Fine, Vivian (1913-2000)

  • Craddock, Mary Christine. Performance, Analysis, and Interpretation in the Solo Double Bass Works of Johanna Magdalena Beyer and Vivian Fine. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Oklahoma, 2015. Download Page

–

Gnattali, Radamés (1906-1988)

  • Danjas, Kilder. Canção e Dansa para Contrabaixo e Piano de Radamés Gnattali: estudo de aspectos técnico-interpretativos. (?), Brazil, 2008. Download Page
  • Rodrigues, Ricardo Pereira. Canção e Dansa para contrabaixo e piano de Radamés Gnattali: aspectos históricos, estudo analítico e edição. (?), Brazil, 2003. Download Page

–

Górecki, Henryk (1933-2010)

  • Kopplin, David F. Volume I, Aspects of Time in the Music of Henryk Górecki: The Sacred and the Profane ; Volume II, Concerto for Double Bass. Ph.D. Thesis, University of California, Los Angeles, 1999.

Note: Unclear if the concerto is by Kopplin?

  • Waleska, Emilia Elżbieta. Kontrabasový a Basový Part v Duchovní Minimalistické Hudbě Henryka Góreckiego a Martina Smolky. Bc.A. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2024. Download Page

[ Double Bass and Bass Part in the Spiritual Minimalist Music of Henryk Górecki and Martin Smolka ]

–

Grainger, Percy (1882-1962)

  • Tan, Margaret L, Alan Stout. The Free Music of Percy Grainger. D.M.A. Thesis, Juilliard School, 1971.

Note: This thesis contains “Free Music No. 2 for 3 Violas and 3 Double Basses.”

–

Grillo, Fernando (1945-2013)

  • Jackman, Dorian. A Performance Guide to Suite I Per Contrabbasso (1983/2005) by Fernando Grillo. D.M. Thesis, Indiana University, Bloomington, 2020. Download Page

–

Guanais, Danilo

  • Guimarães Filho, Airton Fernandes. A Jurema Encantada para Contrabaixo Solo de Danilo Guanais: Considerações Sobre o Trabalho Colaborativo. M.M. Thesis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 2019.  Donwload Page

Note: This work investigates the process of collaboration between composer and interpreter in the elaboration of Jurema Encantada for double bass, by composer Danilo Guanais.

–

Handel, Georg Frideric (1685-1759)

  • Koula, Květomil. Georg Friedrich Händel : Osobnost. : Hobojový Koncert G moll.(Simandlova Úprava pro Kontrabas). Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, [ date missing]. DSpace AMU Record – Hdl.handle.net – AMU Library Record

[ Georg Friedrich Händel : As a Person : Oboe Concerto in G Minor. (Simandl’s Arrangement for Double Bass) ]

 [ G. F. Handel: Concerto in A Minor for Double Bass ]

–

Haubenstock-Ramati, Roman (1919-1994)

  • Ciraso-Cali, Giuseppe. Roman Haubenstock-Ramati : Graphic Notation and the Question of Interpretation. M.A. Thesis. Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2019.

–

Haydn, Joseph (1739-1802)

  • Kaser, Christina. Die Kontrabass-Soli in den Tageszeitensinfonien Hob. I: 6-8 von Joseph Haydn. Meisterarbeit Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2018. Record Link
  • Neunteufel, Dominik. Violoncello und Basso : die Entwicklung von eigenständigen Kontrabassstimmen in Joseph Haydns Sinfonien. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2011. Record Link

–

Haydn, Michael (1737-1806)

  • Back de Surany, Thibault. Violine? The Bass Part in Michael Haydn Divertimenti MH 173 and MH 179. Bachelor Thesis, Universität Mozarteum Salzburg, 2021. Record Link

Note: The “Violine” cited in title is likely “Violone,” the bass instrument used in classical period.

–

Henrique, Oswald (1852-1931)

  • Oliveira, Fausto Borem de. Henrique Oswald’s Sonata, Op. 21: A Transcription and Edition for Double Bass and Piano. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 1993. Record Link

–

Henze, Hans Werner (1926-2012)

  • Charlillo, John A. Parametric Organization and Analysis of S. Biago 9 Agosto Ore 1207. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 1986. Record Link

–

Herrera, Rufo (1933)

  • Santos, Fernando Cesar dos. O Concerto dos Pampas Sul de Ruto Herrera: aspectos históricos, elementos composicionais e analítico-interpretativos no contrabaixo solista. M.M. Thesis, M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2005. Download Page

–

Hindemith, Paul (1895-1963)

  • DeSalvo, Nancy. The Sonata for Double Bass and Piano by Paul Hindemith. D.M.A. Thesis, Cleveland Institute of Music, 1999.

[ Paul Hindemith: Personality, Life and Work ]

Note: This thesis was ascribed the subject of “kontrabas,” thus it likely features the content related to “kontrabas” as well.

[ Paul Hindemith – Double Bass Sonata ]

  • Jacobson, Harry P. An Analysis of the Hindemith Sonata for Double Bass and Piano, for Performance Purposes. M.M. Thesis, North Texas State University, 1972.
  • Mittermeier, Anna Katharina. Der Kontrabass in der Musik Paul Hindemiths. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2017. Record Link
  • Oelz, Maximilian. Paul Hindemith und seine Sonate für Kontrabass und Klavier. B.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien. 2006.

[ Paul Hindemith and His Double Bass Sonata ]

  • Vujec, Vinko. Paul Hindemith: Sonata za Kontrabas i Klavir. Master’s Thesis, University of Zagreb, Academy of Music, 2020. Download Page

–

Hlobil, Emil (1901-1987)

–

Hoffmeister, Franz Anton (1754-1812)

  • Bucheli, Andrés Felipe Mosquera. O Soloquartett # 2 de F. A. Hoffmeister: Um Estudo Sobre Performance no Contrabaixo em Duas Afinações. Bachelor Thesis, Instituto de Artes da Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Sao Paulo, 2017. Download Page

[ Soloquartett # 2 from F. A. Hoffmeister: A Study Performance on Double Bass in Two Tunings ]

  • Jacobson, Harry P. The Edition of a Quartet for Solo Double Bass, Violin, Viola, and Violoncello by Franz Anton Hoffmeister: A Lecture Recital, Together with Selected Works by J.S. Bach, N. Paganini, S. Koussevitsky, F. Skorzeny, L. Walzel and Others. D.M.A. Thesis, North Texas State University, 1982.

Note: This thesis presents the first edition and performance of the Hoffmeister’s Solo Quartet No.1, based on the manuscript source from Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Vienna – no. IX 6395.

  • Seeger, Robert L. An Analysis of Franz Anton Hoffmeister’s Konzert No. 1 for Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 1984. Record Link

–

Johnston, Ben (1926)

  • McHattie, John Alexander. Selected works for double bass by Ben Johnston with critical commentary. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2013. Record Link

–

Keyper, Franz (c.1756-1815)

Please check under Bass Players heading

–

Kohaut, Karl (1726-1784)

Please check under Bass Players heading

–

Kraft, Anton (1749-1820)

  • Rosenak, Karen C. A Performance Edition of Anton Kraft’s Sonata, Op. 2, No. 2 for Cello with Bass Accompaniment. DMA Thesis, Stanford University, 1977. Record Link

Note: Stanford’s site subject listing cites “Double bass,” so it is possible that the work was intended for violoncello and double bass.

–

Krejčí, Iša (1904-1968)

[ Iša Krejčí : Chamber Music ]

Note: Although the library records offer no indication that this thesis presents only Krejčí’s chamber music with bass, Vaclav Fuka was a double bass player and the subject heading for this library record indicates “kontrabas.” Thus it is likely that Krejčí’s chamber compositions with bass are also cited in this thesis.

–

Krommer, Franz (1759-1851)

  • Daum, Glen A. An Analysis and Performance Study of Wind Partitas by Francesco Antonio Rosetti and Franz Krommer. D.M.A. Thesis [term project], Stanford University, 1972.

Note: Cited also under “Composers” – “Rosetti, Antonio”

–

Kurtág, György

  • Lentsner, Diana. Playing with Circles: A Musico-Poetic Study of György Kurtág’s Scenes from a Novel, Op. 19 (1979-1982). Ph.D. Thesis, Ohio State University, 2002. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents a composition Scenes from a Novel, Op. 19 for soprano, cimbalom, violin, and double bass.

  • Worthington, Scott. Shadows of Romanticism. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2011. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents György Kurtág’s “Signs, Games, and Messages” and his other works along with compositions of Sciarrino, and Xenakis for double bass.

–

Leo, Leonardo (1684-1744)

  • Herndon, Judith J. A Concerto in G Major for Solo Transverse Flute, Two Violins, Violas and Bass by Leonardo Leo: an Edition. (volume I: Description and Commentary. Volume Ii: the Edition). D.M.A. Thesis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1978.

–

Mahle, Ernst (1929)

  • Arzolla, Antonio Roberto Roccia Dal Pozzo. Uma Abordagem Analítico-Interpretativa do Concerto 1990 para Contrabaixo e Orquestra de Ernst Mahle. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 1996. Record Link
  • Luna, Iradi Tavares de. Quarteto para Contrabaixos 1995 de Ernst Mahle: Análise Interpretativa. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal da Paraí­ba, João Pessoa, 2013. Download Page

–

Marais, Marin (1656–1728)

  • Swaim, Daniel. A Suite for Double Bass Transcribed from Pièces À Une Et À Deux Violes, by Marin Marais: A Lecture Recital, Together with Three Recitals of Selected Works of J.S. Bach, Karl Ditters Von Dittersdorf, W.A. Mozart, and Others. D.M.A. Thesis, North Texas State University, 1982. Download Page

–

Martín, Andrés (contemp.)

  • Cueva, Darren. Performing Tango on the Double Bass: A Performance Guide to Andrés Martín’s Tres Tangos Para Duo De Contrabajos. D.M.A. Thesis, Arizona State University, 2018. Download Page

–

Maschek, Vinzenz (1755-1831)

  • Mikuláš, Jiří. Vinzenz Maschek (1755-1831) – Život a Dílo. Ph. D. Thesis, Universiteta Karlova, Prague, 2011. Download Page

–

Mortari, Virgilio (1902-1993)

  • Vianna, Jose Roberto Imperatore. An Overview of Virgilio Mortari’s Music for Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2013. Record Link

Note: This dissertation examines two double bass concertos, a duet for violin and double bass, a double bass solo, and a string trio by the composer. Double bass compositions by Mortari utilize scordatura tuning and were influenced by the Italian double bass virtuoso Franco Petracchi.

–

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)

  • Cross, Alan Elliott. The Eight Concert Arias for Bass and Orchestra of W. A. Mozart. D.M.A Thesis, The University of Southern Mississippi, 1995.

Note: Cited also under “Repertoire Solo & Chamber”

  • Ethington, Bradley P. Wolfgang Amamdeus [sic] Mozart’s Serenade in B Flat, K.361 (370a) for Twelve Wind Instruments and Contrabass, “gran Partita”: Musical Influences and Performance Considerations. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, 1995.
  • Robinson, Paul Gene. The Double Bass Scordatura of Mozart’s “Perquesta Bella Mano,” K.612 and its Relationship to Double Bass Performance Practices of Today. D.M.A. Thesis, The Catholic University of America, 1977.
  • Thornhill, Margaret L. A Parallel Study of Two Wind Serenades: Mozart’s K. 361 and Dvorak’s Opus 44. D.M.A Thesis [term project], Stanford University, 1975.

Note: Cited also under “Composers” – “Dvorak, Antonin”

–

Masters Theses

  • Lister, Laurie-Jeanne. Humor as a Concept in Music : A Theoretical Study of Expression in Music, the Concept of Humor, Humor in Music and an Analytical Example ; Ein Musikalischer Spaß KV 522. M.A. Thesis, Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Wien, 1992.

Note: Extended and published as a book in 1994. Record Link

–

Bachelors Theses

  • Bürgschwendtner, Clarissa. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart : “Per Questa Bella Mano” für Bass und obligaten Kontrabass mit der entsprechenden Skordatur. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2005. Record Link

[ The Function and Appearance of Double Bass during the Lifetime of W. A. Mozart ]

Note: This thesis presents front page of an interesting leaflet by Johann Georg Reutter titled  Eigentliche und deutliche Beschreibung einen unerhörten großen Baßgeigen, Wien, 1751. This leaflet apparently describes an oversized bass instrument and offers comments on its qualities in somewhat sarcastic tone. Yet, the source and location of this unique leaflet are not cited.

–

Obrecht, Eldon (1920-2011)

Please check under Bass Players heading

–

Oliveira, Willy Corrêa de (1938)

Fontes, Gustavo Lange. Quatro Folhas d´Álbum para Contrabaixo solo de Willy Corrêa de Oliveira: Análise e Apontamentos para a Construção de uma Interpretação. M.M. Thesis, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 2021. USP Record

[ Four Album Sheets for Solo Double Bass by Willy Corrêa de Oliveira: Analysis and Notes for Constructing an Interpretation ]

Note: This dissertation focuses on four pieces from the set of Album Sheets (2017/18) for solo double bass, and soprano and double bass, by Willy Corrêa de Oliveira: Cantabile, Giga, Moto Continuo, and Tombeau by G. Olivier Toni (all exclusively for solo double bass).
[ translated from the thesis abstract ]

–

Parpinelli, Santino (1912-1991)

  • Nascimento, Paulo Andre de Souza. Dança Nordestina de Santino Parpinelli: aspectos históricos analíticos e interpretativos. M.M. Thesis, Escola de Música da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 2005. Download Page

–

Penderecki, Krzysztof (1933-2020)

  • Zimnik, Piotr. Krzysztof Penderecki a Jeho Tvorba od Devadesátých Let. M.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2018. Download Page

[ Krzysztof Penderecki and His Work Since the 1990’s ]

Note: This thesis also presents Penderecki’s works for double bass.

–

Persichetti, Vincent

  • Huff, Mark. Vincent Persichetti Parable for Solo Double Bass: Its Place in His Catalogue of Parables and Complete Works. D.M.A Thesis, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, 2011. Download Page

–

Piazzolla, Astor (1921-1992)

  • Carpenter, Dallas Eric, et al. ¡Milongueemos! a Case for the Use of the Bass as a Melodic Voice in Selected Quintets by Piazzolla. M.M. Thesis, Ohio State University, 2023. Download Page

–

Price, John Elwood (1935-1995)

  • Pickett, Jacqueline L. John Elwood Price: A Coalescence of Life, Culture, and Music in His Impulse and Deviation I for Unaccompanied Double Bass. D.M.A Thesis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1996.

–

Prokofiev, Serge (1891-1953)

  • Clark, Jason W. Pitch Organization and Form in Sergei Prokofiev’s Quintet, Opus 39, First Movement, Moderato. M.M. Thesis, Youngstown State University, 2006.

[ Sergei Prokofiev: Quintet Op. 37 ]

  • Howell, Chelsea G. Multidisciplinary Performance Issues in Sergei Prokofiev’s Trapèze. D.M.A. Thesis, UCLA, 2007.

Note: The subject cites Prokofiev’s “Quintet”, which implies a relation to the cited “Trapeze.”

  • Jones, Kathryn E. Prokofiev Beckons the Double Bass Into the Modern Age: a Pedagogical Study of the Op 39 Quintet. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2014. Page Download

Note: Cited also under “Repertoire – Solo & Chamber” heading.

–

Proto, Frank (1941)

Please check under Bass Players heading

–

Quantz, Johann Joachim (1697-1773)

  • Žilka, Štěpán. Osobnost J.J.Quantze-virtuosa a Skladatele a Rozbor Jeho Koncertu pro Flétnu a Kontrabas. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, [ date missing ]. DSpace AMU Record – Hdl.handle net – AMU Library Record

[ The Personality of J. J. Quantz, a Virtuoso and Composer, and Analysis of His Concerto for Flute and Double Bass ]

Note: This is an interesting thesis, since its title implies that some kind of Quantz’ concerto for  Flute and Double Bass may exist. Unfortunately, the supplied library records do not offer any additional information that may clarify this matter. There is also a possibility that a standard Quantz’ concerto for flute may have been arranged for a duo performance for the thesis project?

–

Rautavaara, Einojuhani (1928)

  • Stepien, Wojciech. Signifying Angels : Analyses and Interpretations of Rautavaara s Instrumental Compositions. Ph.D. Thesis (?), University of Helsinki, 2010. Record Link

–

Reiner, Karel (1910-1979)

[ Karel Reiner : Double Bass Sonata ]

–

Romberg, Bernhard (1767-1841)

  • Placzek, Roman. Importance and Pedagogical Value of Three Sonatas for Two Cellos, Op. 43 by Bernhard Romberg. D.M.A. Thesis, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2014. Download Page

Note: Quotation from p. 5.

“Romberg wrote his Three Sonatas for Two Cellos, Op. 43 originally for two cellos. The work was later arranged for viola, cello, and double bass and also as Three Sonatas for Cello and Piano by German organist and musicologist Friedrich Gustav Jansen (1831-1910). Recently Bote & Bock Berlin Weisbaden published Klaus Stoll’s arrangement of the third Sonata for Cello and Double-bass. “The Roman-Rex Duo” edition of the Opus arranged for cello and double-bass will follow the release of the recording of the Opus.”

Thus apparently a 19th century arrangement version in trio setting with double bass is also extant.

–

Rosetti, Antonio (1750-1792)

  • Daum, Glen A. An Analysis and Performance Study of Wind Partitas by Francesco Antonio Rosetti and Franz Krommer. D.M.A. Thesis [term project], Stanford University, 1972.

Note: Cited also under “Composers” – “Krommer, Franz” heading.

–
Rossini, Gioacchino (1792-1868)

  • White, Russell C. A Contrast of the Use of the Double Bass in the Chamber Works of G. Rossini and F. Schubert. M.M. Thesis, North Texas State University, 1982. [ Presently: University of North Texas ] Record Link

–
Rotta, Nino (1911-1979)

  • Mun, Ji-Seon. A Franco Petracchi, Nino Rota: Divertimento Concertante : eine künstlerische Werkanalyse. Künstlerische Diplomarbeit (BM) Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2020. OBVSG – Record Link
  • Ritter, Alexandre. Franco Petracchi and the Divertimento concertante per contrabbasso e orchestra by Nino Rota: a successful collaboration between composer and performer. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 2010. Download Link

Note: Cited also under “Bass Players” – “Petracchi, Franco.”

–

Saunders, Rebecca (1967)

  • Chan, Ya-Lan. Composition and Re-Composition : Fury I and Fury II by Rebecca Saunders. D.M.A. Thesis, Manhattan School of Music, 2023.  MSM Record  |  WorldCat Record

–

Schoenberg, Arnold (1874–1951)

  • Asarnow, Elliot. Arnold Schoenbergś “heimweh” from Pierrot Lunaire: Registral Partitioning of the Harmonic Structure. Ph.D. Thesis, Brandeis University, 1979.
  • Mahnkopf, Claus-Steffen. Gestalt Und Stil: Schönbergs Erste Kammersymphonie Und Ihr Umfeld. Ph.D. Thesis, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, 1992. Record Link – Thesis Info

Note: Also published by Kassel: Bärenreiter, 1994.

–

Schubert, Franz (1797-1828)

  • Boots, Frederic W. A Detailed Analysis of Franz Schubert’s Octet in F Major, Op. 166. M.M. Thesis, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1949. Download Page
  • Ibel, Janina Nicole. Die Forelle von Franz Schubert : Entstehung und zeitlose Popularität des Forellenquintetts. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2013. Record Link
  • Lai, Chi-Ju J. Franz Schubert’s Octet in F Major, D. 803, Op. 166: A Theoretical Analysis, Historical Perspectives and Performance Considerations. D.M.A. Thesis, Boston University, 2007.
  • Mathews, Beatrice S. A Study and Comparison of Beethoven’s Septet and Schubert’s Octet. B.M. Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA. 1959.
  • Steffens, Lea F. Franz Schubert’s Octet in F Major, D 803 from a Clarinetist’s Perspective: A Study in Performance Practice. D.M.A. Thesis, University of California, Los Angeles, 1999.

Note: Schubert’s Octet features double bass, therefore some useful information on this piece can be gathered even from a “clarinetist’s perspective.”

  • White, Russell C. A Contrast of the Use of the Double Bass in the Chamber Works of G. Rossini and F. Schubert. M.M. Thesis, North Texas State University, 1982. [ Presently: University of North Texas ] Record Link

–

Schulhoff, Erwin (1894-1942)

  • Harman, Maria D. A. Erwin Schulhoff (1894-1962): An Analytical Study and Discussion of Concertino for Flute, Viola, Double Bass, Wv 75, and Sonata for Flute and Pianoforte, Wv 86. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2011. Download Page

[ Ervín Schulhoff and his Concertino ]

–

Siqueira, José de Lima (1907-1985)

  • Andrade, Danilo Cardoso de. Concertino para Contrabaixo e Orquestra de Câmara de José Siqueira: um Processo de Edição, Análise e Redução para Piano e Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, 2011. Download Page

[ Concertino for Bass and Chamber Orchestra by José Siqueira: a Process of Editing, Analysis and Reduction for Piano and Bass ]

Note: Cited also under Theses – Contemporary Compositions – Solo.

–

Smolka, Martin (1959)

  • Waleska, Emilia Elżbieta. Kontrabasový a Basový Part v Duchovní Minimalistické Hudbě Henryka Góreckiego a Martina Smolky. Bc.A. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2024. Download Page

[ Double Bass and Bass Part in the Spiritual Minimalist Music of Henryk Górecki and Martin Smolka ]

–

Sperger, Johann Matthias (1750-1812)

Please check under Bass Players heading

–

Skweres, Tomasz (1984)

  • Stingl, Sebastian. Werkanalyse Des Duos Für Violoncello Und Kontrabass “Spannungsfelder” Von Tomasz Skweres (2014), Diplomarbeit (Bachelor Thesis), Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Wien, 2014.

–

Strauss, Richard (1864-1949)

  • Neunteufel, Dominik. Der Kontrabass im Statz von Richard Strauss : eine historische Aufarbeitung. M.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien. 2015.

Note: Cited also under “Bass in Orchestra” heading.

–

Stravinsky, Igor (1882-1971)

  • Strong, Lynn A. The Role of the Double Bass in the Works of Igor Stravinsky. Ph.D. Thesis, University of South Carolina, 1991. Record Link

–

Trovajoli, Armando (1917-2013)

  • Lombardi, Luca. A Practical Guide for Double Bass Players: Analytical Studies on Sconcerto by Armando Trovajoli. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, Athens, 2016. Download Link

–

Tubin, Edouard (1905-1982)

  • Elmore, Ian M. A Conductor’s Guide to the Eduard Tubin Bass Concerto. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 2020. Download Page

–

Vanhal, Johann Baptist (1739-1813)

  • Cech, Anna-Lena. Ausgesuchte Aspekte der Interpretation in den Kontrabasskonzerten von Bottesini und Vanhal. M.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2015. Record Link
  • Choi, Yohwan. Johann Baptist Vanhal : Konzert für Kontrabass und Orchester in Es-Dur ; eine Analyse. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2012. Record Link

[ Jan Křtitel Vaňhal – Concerto in D Major, Life and Work ]

  • Janiszewski, Kinga Christina. Octave Markings in the Vanhal Double Bass Concerto in the Context of the Viennese Double Bass Literature. Meisterarbeit Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2021. Record Link
  • Pavelka, David. Jan Křtitel Vaňhal : život, dílo a rozbor koncertu. B.M. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2003. AMU Library Record
  • Pîrvu-Braica, Paul. Konzert für Kontrabass und Orchester in D-Dur von J. B. Vanhal, Werkanalyse. B.M. Thesis [ Diplomarbeit ], Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2019. Record Link
  • Villanueva, Luis R. Muñoz. Vanhal’s Bass concerto and the Viennese school of bass playing – historical and contextual notes. B.A. in Music Thesis, Conservatoire de Musique de Lausanne (HEM), 2009. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Bass History – Classical Period”

–

Vasks, Pēteris (1946)

  • Beitika, Aija. Pēteris Vasks – Lotyšský Hudební Skladatel. M.M. Thesis. Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2014. Download Page

[ Pēteris Vasks – Latvian Composer ]

Note: This thesis presents the entire opus of Pēteris Vasks and offers the details of his double bass compositions as well.

–

Viana, Andersen (1962)

  • Cunha, Marcelo de Magalhaes. A Sonata Para Contrabaixo e Piano de Andersen Viana. Análise Da Obra, Seus Aspectos Idiomáticos e Interpretativos e a Relação Compositor-Intérprete. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2001. Record Link

[ Andersen Viana’s Sonata for Double Bass and Piano, an Analysis of the Work, its Idiomatic and Interpretative Aspects and the Perspective on the Composer-Performer Relationship ]

–

Villa-Lobos, Heitor (1887-1959)

  • Rosa, Alexandre Silva. O Contrabaixo Orquestral de Villa-Lobos: Contextualização, Idiomatismo e Seleção de Excertos. D.M. Thesis. Universidade Estadual Paulista “Julio de Mesquita Filho”, Instituto de Artes. São Paulo, 2017. Download Page

[ The Orchestral Bass of Villa-Lobos: Contextualization, Idiom and the Selection of Excerpts ]

–

Villani-Côrtes, Edmundo (1930)

  • Zanon, Sonia Regina. A Obra de Câmera para Contrabaixo Acústico de Edmundo Villani-Côrtes : Contribuições Interpretativas a Partir de Considerações Sobre o Idiomatismo do Instrumento. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2005. Record Link

[ The Chamber Music Works for Acoustic Double Bass by Edmundo Villani-Côrtes: Interpretative Contributions Based on Considerations on the Instrument’s Idiomatism ]

–
–

Warnecke, Friedrich (1856-1931)

  • Machado, Elton. Friedrich Warnecke: Toward A New Edition Of Ad Infinitum. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Southern Mississippi, 2023. Download Page

–

Widmer, Ernst

  • Silva, Luciano C. L. Ernst Widmer’s Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra, Opus 147: Analysis, Performance Edition and Chamber Transcription. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 1998.

–

Wilder, Alec (1907-1980)

  • Miller, Aaron N. Alec Wilder’s Works for Double Bass: Historical, Musical, and Technical Perspectives.   D.M.A. Thesis, Northwestern University, 2016. Record Link

–

Wolpe, Stefan (1902-1972)

  • Kohn, Andrew D. The Development of Stefan Wolpe’s Compositional Style, 1948-1963 and the Role of Other Arts: With “never Any Jam Today” (original Composition). Ph.D. Thesis, University of Pittsburgh, 1995.

Note: This thesis presents a Quintet for flute, clarinet, violoncello, double bass and piano.

–

Zemek-Novák, Pavel (1957)

  • Seďa, Dominik. Analýza Specifického Využití Kontrabasu v Hudební Tvorbě Pavla Zemka-Nováka. Bc.A. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2024. Download Page

[ An Analysis of the Specific Use of Double Bass in the Music of Pavel Zemek-Novák ]

–

Zimmermann, Anton (1741-1781)

  • Moritake, Yamato. Anton Zimmermann un die Wiener Stimmung des Kontrabasses : Zimmermanns zweites Konzert: Edition und Kommentar. M.A. Thesis, Universität Anton Bruckner, Linz, 2019. Download Page

–

–

Bass Makers

Rácz, Barnabás

  • Vašinka, Petr. Barnabás Rácz – Stavitel Kontrabasů. Diploma Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2013. Download Page

[ Barnabás Rácz – Builder of Double Basses ]

–

–

Instruments – History – National Schools

Austria

  • Hackhofer, Michael. Der Kontrabass im Kirchenchor : Instrumentenstudie im Pustertal. 2023. Bachelorarbeit, Universität Mozarteum Salzburg, 2023. OBV Record Link

–
Croatia

  • Vrbanić, Vilena. Instrumenti Umjetničke Glazbe u Hrvatskim Muzejima. Ph. D. Thesis, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, 2021. Download Page

[ The Instruments of Art Music in Croatian Museums. ]

Note: This thesis cites a double bass by Zagreb luthier Andrija Sinković (ca. 1930), presently held at Hrvatski Glazbeni Zavod (Croatian Music Institute). Instrument citation and details on p. 97.

–
Czech Republic

[ “Rožumberská Basa” History and Organic Analysis ]

Note: This thesis covers the music at the court of Český Krumlov and focuses on its ensemble known as “Rožmberk Band.” It also describes the preserved musical instruments used by  this ensemble, which are part of the “Rožmberk Collection of Instruments” today. In addition, this work also focuses on the “Rožmberk Bass” instrument. The AMU Library Record classifies this thesis also under the subject of “kontrabas,” so it is likely that the “Rožmberk Bass” is a type of double bass.

  • Špaček, Jan. Basové Smyčcové Nástroje Používané v Církevní (kůrové) a Lidové Hudbě v Praze a Středních Čechách. M. A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2018. Download Page – Hdl.Handle.net – AMU Library Record

[ Bass String Instruments Used in Church and Folk Music in Prague and Central Bohemia. ]

Note: This thesis presents both the traditional folk as well as standard classical bass instruments in various Czech collections. Among the featured instruments are several double basses as well.

[ The Bohemian Manufactures of Double Basses ]

–
United States

  • McNalley, Donald Joseph. Contrabass and Violins. M.A. Thesis, University Of California, San Diego, 2013. Record Link – Download Page

Note: This thesis covers the recital compositions and along the subject of the “Yankee Church Bass” p. 12-36, and which belongs to the subject of American bass instruments.

  • Wasserman, Garry. String Bass Lutherie in North America: A Compendium of Makers and Examples, 1788-1970. D.M.A. Thesis, Ohio State University, 2012. Download Page

–

–

Instruments – Bows

  • Cebić, Dario. Die Geschichte und Entwicklung des Kontrabassbogens. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2007. Record Link
  • Hee-Min, Chae. Der Kontrabaß-Bogen. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2002. Record Link
  • Hogan, Shelley C. Early German and Northern Italian Bow Traditions of Large String Basses: A Study of Primary Source Evidence Before 1670. M.M. Thesis, University of Melbourne, 2006.

[ The Development of Double Bass Bow and the Selection of Material for its Manufacture. ]

  • Tolo, Leland S. The Double Bass Bow. M.M. Thesis, University of Louisville, 1966.
  • Vašinka, Petr. Kontrabasové Smyčce. M.M. Thesis. Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2015. Download Page

–

–

Instruments – Electric Bass

  • Cohen, Joshua D. The Application of Tapping Techniques in Compositions for the Solo Electric Bass. M.A. Thesis, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2016. Download Page

Note: The thesis record also contains a wav demonstration audio file.

  • Facey, Michael. Early Proponents of Electric Bass in Mainstream Jazz: An Analysis of Monk Montgomery and Bob Cranshaw. M.M. Thesis, University of Colorado, 2020. Download Page
  • Freitas, Sérgio Castanheira de. O Baixo Elétrico no Samba e a Escuta nos Processos de Aprendizagem : a Importância da Relação Entre o Baixo e a Percussão. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2017. Record Link

Note: Cited also under Jazz heading.

  • Ottesen, Per Harald. Bass: How Low Can Uou Go? En Studie i Bruk av Elektroniske Lydeffekter på Bassgitar. M.M. Thesis, University of Agder, Norway, 2015. Download Page

[ A Study in the Use of Electronic Sound Effects for Bass Guitar ]

  • Vlčev, Toma. Kontrabas i Bas Gitara. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2017. Record Link
  • Wright, Brian F. How the Electric Bass Became the Norm: An Alternative History of American Popular Music, 1951-1964. Ph.D. Thesis, Case Western Reserve University, 2018. Download Page

–

–

Instruments – Amplified Bass

  • Böhm, Justus Leonard Vincent. Untersuchung zur Tonabnahme am Kontrabass anhand einer Live-Performance. Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2017. Record Link

[ The Examination of the Sound Pickup on a Double Bass that is based on a Live Performance ]

  • Zehetner, Benjamin. Kontrabass-Tonabnehmer im direkten Vergleich Unterschiede der Bauarten – Analyse und Fakten – klanglicher Unterschied. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2015. Download Link

[ Double Bass Pickups in a Direct Comparison, Differences in Types – Analysis and Facts – Tonal Differences ]

–

–

Jazz

Doctoral Theses

  • Bergman, Karen Michele. A Guide to Pedagogical Resources for Improvisation on Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, Athens, 2012. Download Page
  • Boll, Barbara. Der Kontrabass im Avantgardejazz der frühen Sechzigerjare. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Vienna, 1986. Record Link
  • Campbell, Jeffrey R. Two Profiles in the Development of Jazz Bass Playing: A Study of Jimmy Blanton and Ron Carter. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Rochester, 2002.
  • Curtright, Toby. An Overview and Guide to Developing Walking Bass Lines in a Jazz Context. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2006.
  • Geib, Michael Thomas. Teaching improvisation to orchestral double bass players: Significance and methodology. D.M.A. Thesis (?), The Florida State University, 2013. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Holland, Olivier. The Personalisation of Technique for Jazz Bass: The Creation of a Method for Personal Stylistic Development for the Jazz Bassist. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Auckland, 2015. Download Page
  • Junca Goncalves, Andrey. Walking in Wellness: Preventative Care and Whole-Body Engagement in Jazz Double Bass Education. A.Mus.D. Thesis, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2022. Record Link
  • Mell, Andrew. Intervallic Improvisation on the Upright Bass: Exercises that Apply Contemporary Bass Technique to Non-Bass Jazz Transcriptions. D.M.A. Thesis, The University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 2023. Download Page
  • Montgomery, Michael R. Studies in Jazz Style for the Double Bassist: Twelve Original Etudes Derived from Twenty-Two Transcribed Solos. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 1984.
  • Pace, William Walker. Jazz Saxophone and Trumpet Improvisations Transcribed and Annotated for Double Bass: A Doctoral Essay. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 2003.
  • Ousley, Larry J. Solo Techniques for Unaccompanied Pizzicato Jazz Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 2007.

Note: Cited also under “Technique” heading.

  • Phipps, Benjamin. Cultural Cosmopolitanism and Hybridity in the Practices of Contemporary Jazz Double Bass Players. Ph.D. Thesis, University of New South Wales, 2017. Download Page
  • Saunders, Geoffrey Richard. The Art of the Bow – Towards Developing a Pedagogy for Arco Jazz Bass. D.M.A Thesis, University of Miami, 2017. Download Page
  • Schroeder, Dave. The evolving role of the electric bass in jazz: History and pedagogy. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 2011. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Sturm, Hans M. Jazz Scaling for the Double Bass: Selected Recordings of Ron Carter and Richard Davis. D.M. Thesis, Northwestern University, 1995. [cited also under “Bass players” – “Carter, Ron” and “Davis Richard”]
  • Taylor, Michael E. James Blanton, Raymond Brown, and Charles Mingus: A Study of the Development of the Double Bass in Modern Jazz. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Pittsburgh, 2001. [cited also by the names of individual bassists under “Bass Players – Jazz” heading]
  • Wilner, Donald L. Interactive Jazz Improvisation in the Bill Evans Trio (1959-61): A Stylistic Study for Advanced Double Bass Performance : a Doctoral Essay. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 1995.

–

Masters Theses

  • Bastos, Maria Clara. Processos de Composição e Expressão na Obra de Itamar Assumpção. M.M. Thesis. Universidade de São Paulo, 2012. Download Page

Note: Chapter 2.5 describes Double Bass use, p. 110-111.

  • Bozarth, Rex O. An Assessment of the Role of James ”Jimmy” Blanton in the Development of Jazz Bass. M.M. Thesis, Univertsity of North Texas, Denton, 1981. Download Page
  • Campos, Daniel Ribeiro. O Contrabaixo Brasileiro nos Trios da Década de 1960: Sspectos da Condução do Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Instituto de Artes, 2014. Download Page
  • Clarke, Brendan. An Investigation of the Background, Influences and Performance Practices of Five Sydney based Jazz Double Bassists. M.M. Thesis, University of Sydney, 2014. Download Page
  • Connolly, Sean William. Seeing Double: Towards a Motor Grammar for Two-Line Improvisation on the Bass Guitar. M.M. Thesis, The University of Melbourne, 2022. Download Page
  • Damschroder, Norman L. A Comparison and Analysis of Bass Solos Performed on the Blues Progression. M.M. Thesis, Bowling Green State University, 1997.
  • Dobson, Samuel. The Role of Instrumental Technique in Creative Process: Applying the ‘Canadian School of Double Bass’ to Jazz Performance. M.M. Thesis, The University of Sidney, 2021. Download Page
  • Fahie, Robert. Essential Steps to Bass Playing in The Big Band Jazz Ensemble. M.M. Thesis, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2004. Record Link
  • Freitas, Sérgio Castanheira de. O Baixo Elétrico no Samba e a Escuta nos Processos de Aprendizagem : a Importância da Relação Entre o Baixo e a Percussão. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2017. Record Link

Note: Cited also under Instruments – Electric Bass heading.

  • Hill, Gareth. An Application of the Musical Style of Jazz Saxaphone to the Double Bass. M. Phil. M. Thesis, Australian National University, 2008. Download Page
  • Hotko, Matej. Metode Poučevanja Izbirnega Predmeta Jazz Kontrabas na Akademiji za Glasbo. M.M. Thesis, Akademija za Glasbo, Ljubljana, 2015. Record Link
  • Hopkins, Tim. The Bass-Less Trio. M.M.A. Thesis, New Zealand School of Music, Wellington, 2012. Download Page
  • Horvat, Stjepan. Sviranje Kontrabasa u Jazzu.  M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2013. Record Link
  • Hojsak, Tihomir. Jazz Kontrabasisti. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2012. Record Link 
  • Hutchens, Eric. Unaccompanied Double Bass in Jazz Composition and Performance: A Case Study of Three Works by John Patitucci. Ph.M. Thesis, University of New South Wales, 2022. Download Page
  • Karnebäck, Josef. Momentum. To Challenge Bass’ Role in an Ensemble. M.M. Thesis, Royal College of Music, Stockholm, 2015. Download Page

[ Jazz Double Bassists and Bass Guitarists of Miles Davis ]

  • Lugg, Fiona. Harmonic Signification: A Study of Articulation Practices in Four Unaccompanied Jazz Double Bass Solos. M.M Thesis, Sydney Conservatorium, 2004.
  • Macedo, Pedro Lopes da Silva. A Preparação para a Performance de Livre Improvisação no Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Estadual Paulista “Julio de Mesquita Filho”, Instituto de Artes. São Paulo, 2016. Download Page

[ Preparing for the Performance of Free Improvisation on the Double Bass ]

  • Maia, Cláudio Marcelo Bezerra. Arranjos de Música Popular Brasileira no Contexto Modal: a Construção da Linha do Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal de Goiás, Escola de Música e Artes Cênicas (EMAC), 2018. Download Page

[ The Arrangements of Brazilian Popular Music in the Modal Context: The Construction of the Double Bass Line ]

  • Merriam, Alan P. Instruments and Instrumental Usages in the History of Jazz. M.M. Thesis, Northwestern University, 1948. Record Link
  • Orr, Denholm-John W. Developing Arco Swing on Double Bass in Jazz. M.M. Thesis, University of Auckland, 2018. Record Link
  • Pacheco, Omar Cavalheiro. Desenvolvimento de Método: Estudos e Música Popular para Contrabaixo – Relato de uma Experiência. Caderno Brasileiro para Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2017. Record Link 1 – Record Link 2 – Download Link – Personal Page

[ A Development of a Method: Studies and Popular Music for Double Bass – Report of an Experience. Brazilian Notebook for Double Bass ]

Note: Listed also under Commercial Music heading.

  • Portinho, Felipe Clark. Ritmos Brasileiros no Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2017. Record Link –  Download Page

[ Brazilian Rhythms on the Double Bass ]

  • Ramo, Audun. Fysiske og Tekniske Utfordringer Knyttet til Bruk av Elektroniske Effekter med Kontrabass. M.M. Thesis, University of Agder, Norway, 2010. – Download Page

[ Physical and Technical Challenges Associated With the Use of Electronic Effects on Bass ]

Note: Cited also under “Acoustics” heading.

  • Reithaug, Audun. Hva er Jazzbassundervisning? : En Diskursanalyse av Undervisningspraksiser på Jazzbass i Høyere Musikkutdanning. M.M. Thesis, Norges Musikkhøgskole, Oslo, Norway, 2011. Download Page

[ What is Jazz Bass Teaching? : A Discourse Analysis of Teaching Practices on Jazz Bass in Higher Music Education ]

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Sanchez, Kai. The Double Bass as a Supportive and Melodic Instrument in a Jazz Piano Trio: Extended Program Notes for Thesis Recital. M.M Thesis, Florida International University, Miami, 2012. Download Page
  • Scott, Craig Blakefield. A Folio of Transcription of Famous Bassists’ Solos and Analyses Thereof. M.M. Thesis, Canberra School of Music, Institute of the Arts, Australian National University, 1994. Abstract

Note: This thesis presents solos by Paul Chambers, Eddie Gomez, Charles Mingus, Buster Williams, Scott LaFaro, and Jimmy Blanton.

  • Shadduk, Anthony. Charlie Haden, Scott Lafaro, and Harmolodics: Bass Styles in Ornette Coleman’s Free Jazz. M.M. Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2006.
  • Thiry, Emmanuel. La Contrebasse Dans le Jazz. Masters in Musicology Thesis, Université de Rouen, France, 1987, Record Link

[ The Double Bass in Jazz ]

  • Torp, Kristian Olav. Spilleteknikk for El-Bass : En Studie av Spilletekniske Løsninger på Polyrytmiske Ostinat. M.M. Thesis, University of Agder, 2010. Download Page

[ Perfomance Technique for Electric Bass: A Study of Technical Performance Solutions on Polyrhythmic Ostinato ]

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Trapchak, Sam S. Towards a Model of Jazz Bass Accompaniment on Standards Adapted to Uneven Meters: the Foundational Approaches of Larry Grenadier, Scott Colley and Johannes Weidenmueller. M.M. Thesis, The William Paterson University of New Jersey, 2009.
  • Waples, Benjamin R. The Review of Resources Pertaining to Arco Techniques for the Double Bass and Their Application to Jazz Improvisation in the Swing Style. M.M. Thesis, University of Sydney, Sydney Conservatory, 2011.

–

Bachelors Theses

  • Abbey, Nicholas L. Aspects of Rhythm in the Music and Improvisation in Six Pieces by Bassist Avishai Cohen. B.M. Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Australia, 2011. Download Page
  • Dobeš, Pavel. Vznik Principu Walking Bass. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2021. Download Page

[ The Emergence of the Principle of Walking Bass ]

  • Farkaš, Tomy. Zgodovina Jazz Kontrabasa in Analiza Slogov Najvidnejših Basistov. B.M. Thesis, Univerza v Ljubljani, Akademija za Glasbo, 2016. Record Link

[ The History of Jazz Bass and an Analysis of the Styles of the Most Prominent Bassists. ]

  • Galia, Jan. Kontrabas a Hlas – Možnosti Souhry Kontrabasu a Sólového Zpěvu. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2021. Download Page

[ The Upright Bass and Voice – Interplay Possibilities ]

  • Kienast, Helmut. Analytische Studien zur Walking-Bass-Technik (1940 – 1990) : anhand des Standards “Take the ‘A’ train.” B.A. Thesis, Universität Wien, 1998. Record Link
  • Kyncl, Jan. Historie a Význam Formátu Tria Saxofon, Kontrabas, Bicí v Rámci Jazzové Hudby. Bc.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2016. Download Page – Hdl.handle net – AMU Library Record

[ The History and Significance of Saxophone, Double Bass and Drum Set Trio Format in Jazz Music ]

  • Larsson, Emma. Hur Övar Jag?: En Observationsstudie Med Fokus på det Egna Lärandet av ett Solo av Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. Independent Thesis Basic Level (sic) (BM?). Karlstad University, 2014. Download Page

[ How do I practice? An Observational Study with Focus on the Learning Process of a Solo by Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen ]

Note: Cited also in “Bass Players – Jazz” under “Ørsted Pedersen, Niels Henning”

  • Létalová, Veronika. Kontrabas v Jazzové Hudbě se Zaměřením na České Jazzové Kontrabasisty. Bc.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2009. DSpace AMU Record – Hdl.handle net – AMU Library Record

[ Double Bass in Jazz Music with Focus on Czech Jazz Double Bassists. ]

  • Neef, Ashley de. Explorations in Double-Stops: Three New Pieces for Explanding the Role of the Double Bass in the Jazz Ensemble. B.M. Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Australia, 2014.  Download Page
  • Pass, Kate. A Transcultural Journey : Integrating Elements of Persian Classical Music With Jazz. B.M. Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Australia, 2013. Download Page

[ Double Bass in Jazz as a Solo Instrument ]

–

–

Commercial Music

  • Amundson, Paul. Understanding the Culture, Musical Styles, and Market Potential of Nashville Session Bass Players. M.M. Thesis in Commercial Performance, Belmont University, 2018. Record Link
  • Assis, Paulo Dantas de Paiva. Improvisação ao Contrabaixo Acústico com uso de Arco na Música Popular Brasileira Instrumental (MPBI): Estratégias de Estudo e Performance. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2008. Download Page  ( thesis index only)

[ An improvisation and the use of bowing technique on Acoustic Bass in the Brazilian Instrumental Popular Music (MPBI): Study and Strategies ]

  • Campos, João Paulo Ferreira. Técnicas Estendidas do Contrabaixo em Três Arranjos Crossover de Canções Populares. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Escola de Música, Belo Horizonte, 2018. Download Page

[ Extended Bass Techniques in Three Crossover Arrangements of Popular Songs ]

  • Lucena, Diuliano Vítor. Obras para Contrabaixo com Gêneros da Música Popular Brasileira: Performance e Aspectos Pedagógicos. Dissertação (Mestrado). M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal de Goiás, Escola de Música e Artes Cênicas (EMAC), 2017. Download Page

[ Works for Double Bass with Brazilian Popular Music Genres: Performance and Pedagogical Aspects ]
–
Note: This thesis was a part of project on Brazilian Classical Bass Repertoire and it contains a bibliography of Brazilian bass compositions (pp. 37-48), which complements Sonia Ray’s Brazilian Catalogue of Works for Double Bass (2005).  Thus, although not explicitly mentioned in the thesis title, this work is also an excellent source on Brazilian solo bass music.

  • Pacheco, Omar Cavalheiro. Desenvolvimento de Método: Estudos e Música Popular para Contrabaixo – Relato de uma Experiência. Caderno Brasileiro para Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 2017. Record Link 1 – Record Link 2 – Download Link – Personal Page

[ A Development of a Method: Studies and Popular Music for Double Bass – Report of an Experience. Brazilian Notebook for Double Bass ]

Note: Listed also under “Jazz” heading.

  • Ribeiro, Gadiego Cararo. O Contrabaixo Acústico na Música Popular Brasileira: Utilização de Arranjos como Ferramenta para Ampliação do Repertório e Material Didático. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal de Goiás, Escola de Música e Artes Cênicas (EMAC), 2014. Download Page

[ The Acoustic Bass in Brazilian Popular Music: the Use of Arrangements as Tool for the Expansion of the Repertoire and Teaching Materials ]

  • Silva, Bruno Rejan. Improvisação na Música Popular Brasileira Instrumental: Aspectos da Performance do Contrabaixo Acústico. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal de Goiás, Escola de Música e Artes Cênicas (EMAC), 2011. Download Page

 [ Improvisation in Instrumental Brazilian Popular Music: Aspects of Performance on the Acoustic Double Bass ]

–

–

Ethnic / Folk Music

  • Amaral, Renata Pompeo do. A música do Bumba Boi do Maranhão e suas Possibilidades de Performance no Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Instituto de Artes. São Paulo, 2018. Download Page

[ The Music of Bumba Boi do Maranhão and its Performance Possibilities on the Double Bass ]

  • De, Toledo R. African Rhythm As the Foundation of Contemporary Bass Performance. M.M. Thesis, University of Auckland, 2018. Record Page

–

–

Organology

Construction

  • Abbas, Esmat. Klangliche Eigenschaften Des Kontrabasses: Spektralanalytische Und Historische Untersuchungen Zum Bau Und Zum Klang. Doctoral Thesis, Universität zu Köln, 1989.

[cited also under “Acoustics” heading]

  • Bynum, Joseph W. The Doublebass: A Short History and Concepts of Construction. M.A. Thesis, Central Washington State College, 1974. Record Link
  • Gehring, Andrea. Violine und Kontrabaß im Salzburger Instrumentenbau. Bachelor Thesis, Universität Mozarteum Salzburg, 2022. Record Link
  • Gonzáles Subirà, Joana. A Critical Evaluation of ZMT* and Other Tailpieces (*Zoran Marković Tailpiece). M.M. Thesis, Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana, 2020. Download Page
  • Grif, Egor. Die Entwicklung des Kontrabasses und der Einfluss von Domenico Dragonetti. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2013. Record Link

Note: Cited also under “Bass Players – Dragonetti, Domenico (1763-1846)” heading.

  • Sandoro, Sandrino. Modelos de Contrabaixo de Cordas desde a sua Origem até os Dias Atuais. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 1995.

[ String Bass Models from Their Origins to the Current Days ]

[ Evolution of the Structure of the Double Bass ]

Note: This thesis present information on double bass and its development. The first chapter discusses the historical connections between early stringed instruments, viola da gamba and viola da braccio. It follows with the transformation of the largest viola da gamba into a double bass. Chapter two focuses on the current form of the double bass, its construction and differences between various forms. In the third chapter, the double bass bow is analyzed following the same historical sequence. The fourth chapter compares the sizes of various instruments through the history and also presents instruments of unusually large dimensions.

  • White, Michael David. The Double Bass Extension: A Compendium for Performance. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 2021. Download Page
  • Wright, James Lee. The Structural Evolution of the Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, University of Cincinnati, 1959. Record Link

Manufacture

  • Milliot, Sylvette. Documents Inédits Sur Les Luthiers Parisiens Du XVIIIème Siècle. Ph.D. Thesis, Musicology, Université de Paris, 1970.

[ Unpublished Documents Concerning Parisian String Instrument Makers Of The 18th Century ]

Abstract: Publication of 26 workshop inventories of the old Paris school (1725-1801), including those of Bertrand, Bocquay, Pierray, Guersan, Lambert, Boivin, Salomon, Castagnery, Gaffino, Louvet, Lejeune, and Koliker. These inventories, together with birth records, marriage contracts, and contemporary correspondence and journals, show 1) the life of the artisans, 2) family relationships among them, and 3) changes in instrument building: the disappearance of viols and lutes; the appearance of violas, cellos, basses, guitars, mandolins, and – at the end of the century – harps and pianofortes.

Note: Published under the series: “Société Française de Musicologie.”

  • Marković, Todor. Zvočna Slika Kontrabasa pri Uporabi Različnih Strun in ZMT Strunika. M.M. Thesis, Univ. v Ljubljani, Akademija za Glasbo, Ljubljana, 2019. Record Link
  • Rath, Josef. Untersuchung, Konservierung-Restaurierung und Rekonstruktion der ältesten bekannten Kontrabasses von Nikolaus Leidolff 1693 : (KHM Wien, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente, SAM 909). Diplomarbeit Thesis (Unknown degree, possibly M.A.), Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien, 2018. Record Link
  • Švestka, Marek. Region Luby – Markneukirchen, Jeho Historie a Význam pro Vývoj Kontrabasového Houslařství. Ph.D. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2019. Download Page

Note: Published under the series: “Société Française de Musicologie.”

  • Veleta, Jakub. Houslařská dílna rodiny Petlachů. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2018. Download Page

[ Violin Workshop of the Petllach Family (covers also the repair and production of double basses of the Petllach Family ) ]

Electric Upright Bass

  • Casselman, Gregg. An Electric Upright Bass. M.E.Des. Thesis, University of Calgary, Canada, 1999.

Electric Bass

  • Pollacchi, Leonard E. The Fretless Electric Bass: A Study of New Concepts in Bass Playing. M.A. Thesis, California State University, 1971.

Note: Cited also in “Pedagogy” heading, since the LC classifies it under the subject heading of  “Double Bass – Instruction and Study.”

  • Wright, Brian F. The View from the Bottom: Cultural Explorations of the Electric Bass. M.A. Thesis, University of Nevada, Reno, 2013.

Octobass

  • Siddiq, Sascha. Der Oktobass von J.-B. Vuillaume. Ph. Magister Thesis, University of Vienna, Philologisch-Kulturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, 2010. Download Page

Research & Museums

  • Heller, Veit. Methoden zur Untersuchung und Dokumentation der Geigen am Museum für Musikinstrumente der Universität Leipzig. Ph.D. Thesis, Universität Leipzig, 2017. Download Page

Note: This thesis offers many resources and an excellent bibliography on extant Double Basses in European Museums.

Three String Bass

  • Pershounin, Alexander. The Three-String Solo Double Bass: Origins, Advantages, and Decline. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Southern Mississippi, 2002.

–

–

Orchestration

  • Bang, Jon. The Principles of Orchestration ; Analysis, Theory and Practice. M.M. Thesis in Musicology, Norweigian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, 2013. Download Page
  • Fodor, Gyöngyvér. Der Kontrabass im Blasorchester : Geschichte und Instrumentation. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2005. Record Link

–

–

Pedagogy

Doctoral Theses

  • Adams, Yannick. Vliv Světových Kontrabasových Škol na Vývoj Hry na Kontrabas v České Republice. Doctoral Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2024. Download Page

[ The Influence of The World’s Double Bass Schools on The Development of Double Bass Playing in The Czech Republic ]

  • Allen, Gene Thomas. Intermediate Studies for the Double Bass Player. D.A. Thesis, Ball State University, 1981. Record Link
  • André, David E. Contemporary Concepts of Stringing Up the Double Bass: Jacques Ibert’s Angélique: the Seattle Production, 1964. Emmanuel Chabrier’s Cinq-Morceaux, Orchestrated. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Washington, 1967.
  • Botting, Thomas. Developing a Personal Vocabulary for Solo Double Bass Through Assimilation of Extended Techniques and Preparations. Ph.D. Thesis, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The University of Sydney, 2018. Download Page

Note: This thesis covers the bass technique needed for the perfomance of contemporary compositions.

  • Boyd, Joseph Thomas. An Historical Survey of Double Bass Pedagogy and Performance. D.M.A. Thesis,  University of Arizona, 1978. Download Page – Download Page 2
  • Chou, Yun-Chieh. When the Mouse Meets the Elephant: A Manual for String Bass Players with Application of the Philosophy and Principles of the F. M. Alexander Technique. D.M.A Thesis, Louisiana State University, Batton Rouge, 2013. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Physiology” heading.

  • De Kock, Benjamin. Understanding the Double Bass : a Guide for String Teachers to Teach Double Bass. D.M.A Thesis, University of Colorado, 2013. Record Link
  • Erhard, Paul. An Analytics of Intonation for the Double Bass. D.M.A Thesis, Juilliard School, 1990.
  • Farrar, Carol Reglin. Seven String Instrument Treatises of Michel Corrette: Translation with Commentary. Ph.D. Thesis, North Texas State University, 1978.
  • Franca, Ricardo Bessa Magalhães. O Ensino de Contrabaixo em Cursos de Graduação em Universidades Públicas Brasileiras. D.M. Thesis, Escola de Música da Universidade Federal da Bahia, 2020. Download Page

[ The Study of Double Bass in Graduate Programs and Courses at the Brazilian Public Universities ]

Note: This is very likely the most comprehensive study on Brazilian bass pedagogy at the present.  The Download page also contains thesis Abstract in English.

  • Geib, Michael Thomas. Teaching Improvisation to Orchestral Double Bass Players: Significance and Methodology. D.M. Thesis, The Florida State University, 2013. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Jazz” heading.

  • Heč, Radovan. Současné Trendy ve Vývoji Kontrabasové Hry. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2001. AMU Library Record

[ Current Trends in the Development of Double Bass Playing ]

  • Hilgenstieler, Eric. The Application of Contemporary Double Bass Left Hand Techniques Applied in the Orchestra Repertoire. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Southern Mississippi, 2014. Download Page
  • Lardin, Heather Miller. Michel Corrette’s Methodes Pour Apprendre Á Jouer De La Contre-Basse Á 3. Á 4. Et Á 5. Cordes, De La Quinte Ou Alto Et De La Viole D’orphée: A New Translation with Commentary. D.M.A. Thesis, Cornell University, 2006. Record Link
  • Leavitt, Tod. The Status of Contrabass Instruction at Selected Colleges and Universities in the United States of America. D.M.A Thesis, Ohio State University, 1997. Download Page
  • Morton, Mark A. Double Bass Technique: Concepts and Ideas. D.M.A Thesis, Juilliard School, 1989.
  • Moss, Kirk D. Favored Sound Production Exercises of Selected Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass Pedagogues: An Analysis and Adaptation. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Florida, Gainesville, 2006. Download Page
  • Ray, Sonia. Pedagogia da Performance Musical. Post Doctoral Thesis. Escola de Música e Artes Cênicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, 2015. Download Link

[ The Music Performance Pedagogy ]

Note: This thesis was submitted as a part of the requirement for progression to the tenured professor status at Universidade Federal de Goiás. The thesis offers also an excellent comparative overview of perfomance programs in Brazil and abroad.

  • Rex, Cody C. A Systematic Approach to Double Bass Fingerings for the Classroom String Teacher. D.M.A Thesis, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2015. Download Page
  • Šašinková, Eva. Hra na Kontrabas – Aspekty Historické, Pedagogické a Hudebně Teoretické. Ph.D. Thesis in Musical Theory and Education, Charles University of Prague, 2022. Download Page

[ Double Bass Playing – Historical, Pedagogical and Musical Theoretical Aspects ]

Note: This thesis is probably the most comprehensive source on the general modern Czech bass history, the origin of Czech conservatories and music schools and particularly the various statistics on bass professors and the methods used in Czech bass institution after 1945. Moreover, all the modern Czech bass professors are profiled in detail with their biographies and photos that show in great detail how they approach the instrument and bow.

  • Smentkowski, Nicholas. “Old Music New Technique: Using Medieval Music to Instruct Half Position on the Double Bass.” D.M. Thesis, Florida State University, 2023. Download Page – Permalink
  • Tietboehl Nascimento E Souza, Mauricio. An Annotated Bibliography for Double Bass Methods and Studies. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, Athens, 2016. Download Page
  • Unzicker, Jack A. Orchestral Etudes: Repertoire Specific Exercises for Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2011. Download Page
  • Valk, Alexis D. Contemporary Études for the Double Bass. D.A. Thesis, Ball State University, 1979. Record Link

Pedagogy – Electric Bass

  • Schroeder, Dave. The evolving role of the electric bass in jazz: History and pedagogy. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 2011. Download Link

Note: Cited also under “Jazz” heading.

–

Masters Theses

  • Albuquerque, Vítor Manuel Ferreira da Silva. Um Percurso Profissional. M. Mus. Ed. Thesis, Universidade do Minho, Braga, 2013. Download Page

[ A Professional Career ]

Note: In this thesis author describes some seventeen years of his teaching experience with the Public School System in Portugal.

[ The Importance of the Czech School for the Global Double Bass Pedagogy ]

  • Barbosa Filho, Jair Rabelo Maciel. Ensino de Contrabaixo para Iniciantes: Uma Proposta Pedagógica em Construção. M.M. Thesis, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 2017. Download Page

[ Teaching Double Bass to Beginners: A Pedagogical Proposal in Construction ]

  • Barnard, Floyd P. Modern Method for the Double Bass: A Practical Instructor for Intermediate Students (through Fifth Position). M.S. Thesis, University of Idaho, 1942.
  • Brown, Noel G. An Evaluation of Beginning Double Bass Methods to Establish Criteria of What Should Be Taught During the First Year of Study. M.A. Thesis, Brigham Young University, 1969.
  • Brown, Samuel R. Mindfulness, Flow and Self-Care for Double Bass Musicians. M.M. Thesis, University of New Mexico, 2020. Download Page
  • Brunner, Manuel. Kontrabass. Jazz und Pop für junge AnfängerInnen. M.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2016. Record Link
  • Buble, Jan. Srovnání užití Kontrabasu v Klasické Hudbě a v Jazzu aneb Dva Pohledy na Jeden Nástroj : Studie. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2000. AMU Library Record

[ A Comparison of the Use of the Double Bass in Classical Music and Jazz, or the Two Views on One Instrument : A Study ]

  • Calado, Ricardo Bigio. A Preparação da Performance do Contrabaixo Acústico e “Live Eletronics.” M.M. Thesis, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho,” Instituto de Artes, São Paulo, 2017. Download Page

Note: The general objective of this work is to discuss possibilities of using the Ableton Live program as a tool in the preparation and performance of the double bass as well as an interaction between the musician and the computer, to propose a strategy for the preparation of double bass performance with Live Electronics and Live Looping. [ taken from the thesis abstract ]

[ Teachers of the Prague Double Bass School and Its Methodology ]

  • Chusmir, Marsha L. An Annotated Bibliography and Review of Current Heterogeneous String Method Books. M.M. Thesis, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 1973.
  • Clutton, Robert J. Composing for Double Bass: Intrinsic Particularities. M.A. Thesis, York University, Toronto, 2008

Note: also cited under “Theses – Contemporary Compositions – Solo” heading.

  • Dourado, Henrique Autran. Ensino do Contrabaixo – Uma Visão Atual. M.M. Thesis, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 1992. USP Record

[ Double Bass Teaching – A Current View ]

  • Duarte, João Diogo Neto de Almeida Santos. Posturas Ensinadas em Portugal no Início da Aprendizagem de Contrabaixo: Relatório de Estágio. M. Mus. Ed. Thesis, Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa, 2013. Download Page

[ Postures Taught in Portugal at the Beginning of Bass Instruction: A Training Report ]

  • Ess, Markus Matthias. Die Kontrabass-Schulen von Simandl, Findeisen, Montag und Streicher. M.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2016.
  • Fox, Duncan Spencer. Teacher Placement Report: Investigation: Action Research Project Investigating Methods for Promoting Creativity in Double Bass Students Attending a Portuguese Music School. M.M. Thesis, Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa, 2013. Download Page
  • Giller, Alexandra Patricia. Experts and Excerpts: the Application of Giovanni Bottesini’s Complete Method for the Contre-Basse to the Preparation of Orchestral Excerpts Taken From the Works of Giuseppe Verdi. M.A. Thesis, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 2015. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Bass Players” – “Bottesini” and “Repertoire – Orchestra” headings.

  • Gonçalves, Cristiana de Sousa. O Aquecimento Direcionado Como Ferramenta Pedagógica No Ensino Do Contrabaixo. M. Mus. Ed. Thesis, Universidade do Minho, 2014. Download Page

[ The Directional Warm-Up as a Pedagogical Tool and the Teaching of the Double Bass ]

  • Goodwin, Adam N. Informed Tuning Practice: A Practical Approach for Contrabassists. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2012. Download Page
  • Gordon, Edwin. A Progressive Method of String Bass Playing. M.Ed. Thesis, Ohio University, (Athens), 1955.
  • Granda, Luis. Evolutionary Double Bass Playing: How My Time at University of Colorado Boulder Changed My Double Bass Playing. M.M. Thesis, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, 2021. Download Page
  • Hanák, Martin. Česká Kontrabasová Metodika v Evropském a Světovém Kontextu.. Master Thesis, Masaryk University, Brno, 2008.
  • Hill, Jeffrey M. The Beginning Double Bassist. M.M. Thesis, Kent State University, 1982.
  • Hoe, Jonathan. Using Orchestral Repertoire in Double Bass Pedagogy. M.M. Thesis, The California State University, Northridge, 2023. Download Page
  • Horvath, Kathleen A. Revised Double Bass Pedagogy for a Heterogeneous String Class Method Book. M.A. Thesis, Ohio State University, 1992. Download Page

[ Instruction Literature for Double Bass and an overview of Jeff Bradetich method book ]

  • Isotalo, Pirkka-Petteri. Kontrabasso Rytmimusiikissa : Kehitys- ja Tutkimustyö Kontrabasson Soitosta Sekä Opetuksesta Rytmimusiikissa. Metropolia University, Helsinki, 2014. Download Page

[ Double Bass Rhythm of Music: Development and Research of Double Bass Playing and Teaching the Rhythm of Music ]

  • James, Hannah Mary. Rhythmic Perspectives: Creative Explorations in Composition and Performance Practice on the Double Bass in Response to Cognitive Theories of Rhythmic Perception. M.M. Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2022. Record Link
  • Jovanović, Stevan. Nemška in Francoska Drža Loka: Razvoj, Praktična Uporaba in Regionalna Razdelitev. M.M. Thesis, Univ. v Ljubljani, Akademija za Glasbo, Ljubljana, 2024. Download Page – Donwload Link

[ German and French Bow Hold: Development, Practical Use and Regional Divisions ]

  • Kasaić Drakšić, Matija. Razlike u Pristupu Podučavanja Kontrabasa Između Učenika Rane Dobi i Adolescenata. Master’s Thesis, University of Zagreb, Academy of Music, 2020. Download Page

[ The Differences in the Approach to Teaching the Double Bass Between Students of Early Age and Adolescents ]

  • Kos, Niko. Razvoj Gudala za Kontrabas kroz Povijest i Tehnike Hvatova Desne Ruke. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2024, Download Page

[ The Development of Double Bass Bow through History and the Techniques of the Right Hand Bow Holds ]

  • Lago, Mauricio da Silva. Aspectos Biomecânicos Posturais E Estratégias Em Otimização De Performance Para Contrabaixistas. M.M. Thesis, University of São Paulo, 2010. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Physiology.”

  • Leitner, Raphael. Betrachtung über die Didaktik des modernen Kontrabassunterrichts für Anfänger : ein ganzheitliches pädagogisches Konzept zum Erlernen des gezupften Kontrabassspiels. M.A. Thesis.  Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2017.
  • Lewis, Royce W. An Analytical Survey of Available Domestically Published String Bass Instruction Literature with an Original Handbook for Teaching String Bass. M.M. Thesis, Northwestern University, 1957.
  • Lipski, Mark. The Use of Method Books by Expert Double Bass Teachers in Sydney. M.M. Thesis, University of Sydney, 2012. Abstract
  • Martinez Cruz, Angelica Maria. Die deutsche und französische Kontrabass Bogenhaltung. B.A. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2016.

[ Significant Czech Double Bass Teachers of the 20th Century ]

  • Ocana, Claudia Triguero. Sechs Schulen von Kontrabass im 20. Jahrhundert: Vorgänger und Nachfolger. Masterarbeit Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2020. Record Link
  • Oliveira, Ana Valéria Poles de. Falando baixo – por Toda a Minha Vida – Uma Trajetória Musical com o Contrabaixo na Formação de Multiplicadores e na Música Orquestral. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil, 2016. Download Page

[ Speaking Bass – for my Whole Life – A musical Trajectory with the Double Bass in the Formation of Multipliers and in Orchestral Music ]

Note: This thesis contains autobiographical information as well as pedagogical views.

  • Paziani, Danilo Ribeiro. O Ensino Coletivo de Contrabaixo Acústico: A Vivência de Processos Criativos com Alunos do Projeto Guri/Ribeirão Preto e a Ideia de Experiência de Jorge Larrosa. M.M. Thesis,  Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho,” Instituto de Artes, São Paulo, 2017. Download Page

[ The Collective Teaching of Acoustic Bass: The Experience of Creative Processes with Students from the Guri/Ribeirão Preto Project and Jorge Larrosa’s Idea of Experience ]

  • Pedrosa, Mayra Stela Dunin. Abordagem de Estudos em Métodos de Contrabaixo com Vistas à Execução de Obras do Repertório Orquestral. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil, 2009. Download Page

[ The Methodology of Approaches in Methods for Double Bass with Emphasis on the Performance of the Orchestral Repertoire Works ]

  • Peixoto, Tiago Manuel da Silva. Métodos de Contrabaixo mais utilizados em Portugal. M.M. Thesis, Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo, Porto, Portugal, 2019. Download Page

[ The Methods used by Double Bass Teachers in Portugal ]

Note: The Download Page offers an Abstract in English.

  • Pierce, S. Margaret. The College Curriculum for a Major in Double-Bass Playing. M.M. Thesis, Texas Christian University, 1954. Record Page
  • Pinca, Massimo. L’application de la Méthode Feldenkrais à l’enseignement de la Contrebasse. M.A. in Music Pedagogy. Haute Ecole de Musique de Genève, 2013.

Note: Cited also under “Physiology.”

  • Pinheiro, Natalia Cristina. Classificação de Técnicas Estendidas no Contrabaixo Acústico. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, 2015. Download Page

[ Classification of Extended Techniques on Acoustic Bass ]

Note: This thesis is a good overview of modern bass techinques for all bassists and composers interested in the subject. The thesis also presents many practical examples from the contemporary solo bass repertoire.

  • Polidoro, Alfred J., III. On Pedagogical Methods for Jazz Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2018. Download Page
  • Reithaug, Audun. Hva er Jazzbassundervisning? : En Diskursanalyse av Undervisningspraksiser på Jazzbass i Høyere Musikkutdanning. M.M. Thesis, Norges Musikkhøgskole, Oslo, Norway, 2011. Download Page

[ What is Jazz Bass Teaching? : A Discourse Analysis of Teaching Practices on Jazz Bass in Higher Music Education ]

Note: Cited also under “Jazz” heading.

  • Rosa, Alexandre Silva. Técnicas Estendidas na Performance e no Ensino do Contrabaixo acústico no Brasil. M.M Thesis, Sao Paulo, 2012. Download Link

Note: Cited also under “Bass Technique” heading.

  • Rosa, Alexandre Silva. Técnicas Estendidas do Contrabaixo no Brasil: Revisão de Literatura, Performance e Ensino. São Paulo: Editora Unesp, 2014. Download Page

Note: This is a revised work based on Rosa’s 2012 thesis and published as a book by UNESP Editions.

  • Schweigert, Reinhold A. String Bass Teaching Methods: Analysis and Classification of Ten Representative Works. M.A. Thesis, California State University, Sacramento, 1958. Download Page
  • Serdarević, Duje. Metodička Analiza Pojedinih Škola za Kontrabas. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2016. Record Link
  • Shimomoto, Mika. The Double Bass and the Performance of its Solo Repertoire. M.M. Thesis, California State University – Northridge, 2018. Donwload Page

Note: This thesis offers also an interesting YouTube research on the recital seating arrangements that involve solo bass and piano. Please see pages 22-23.

  • Silva, Federico. New Vistas in the Development of Left Hand Technique for the Double Bass. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 1972.
  • Simon, Robert E. String Instrument Outline for Study: Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. M.S. in Education Thesis, University of Southern California, 1960. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents an overview of basic bass playing concepts in Chapter VI and along a listing of String Bass Methods in Appendix D-1, pp. 79-80. The Representative Bass Solos are listed in Appendix D-2, pp. 81-82.

  • Souza, Alba Christina Bomfim. O Perfil de Adultos em Aulas de Instrumentos de Cordas Friccionadas: Violino, Viola, Violoncelo e Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 2009. Download Page

[ The Profile of Adult Students who attend Bowed String Instrument Classes in Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass ]

  • Stanton, David H. The Double Bass: A Compendium. M.M.Ed. Thesis, Oberlin College, 1959.

Note: Cited also under “Repertoire” heading.

  • Šubrt, Michal. Vývoj Držení Kontrabasového Smyčce. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2000. AMU Library Record

[ The Development of the Double Bass Bow Hold ]

  • Terra, Natália Iza Teles. Metodologia Suzuki: Uma Aplicação Para Contrabaixo à Moda Brasileira. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 2014. Record Link 1 – Record Link 2 – Download Link

[ Suzuki Methodology: An Application to Double Bass in a Brazilian Style ]

  • Townsend, Sidney A. A Course of Study for the Double Bass. M.A. Thesis, Ohio State University, Columbus, 1974. Download Page
  • Trilar, Žiga. Primerjava in Razvoj Vodilnih Kontrabasističnih Tehnik. M.M. Thesis, Univ. v Ljubljani, Akademija za Glasbo, Ljubljana, 2018. Record Link

[ Comparison and Development of the Leading Double Bass Techniques ]

  • Vieira, Alexandre de Souza. A integração da voz com o Contrabaixo Acústico: Criação e Interpretação. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil, 2018. Download Page

[ An Integration of Voice with Acoustic Double Bass: Creation and Interpretation ]

  • Zakopal, Luděk. Kontrabasová Škola Kroměříž a Její Vliv na Techniku Hry u Nás a ve Světě. Mg.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, [ date missing ]. AMU Library Record

[ The Kroměříž Double Bass School and its Influence on Playing Technique at Home and Worldwide ]

–

Electric Bass

  • Berlin, Michele. A Content Analysis of Beginning Guitar, Electric Bass, and String Bass Method Books. M.A. Thesis, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2018. Download Page
  • Pollacchi, Leonard E. The Fretless Electric Bass: A Study of New Concepts in Bass Playing. M.A. Thesis, California State University, 1971.
  • Torp, Kristian Olav. Spilleteknikk for El-Bass : En Studie av Spilletekniske Løsninger på Polyrytmiske Ostinat. M.M. Thesis, University of Agder, 2010. Download Page

[ Performance Technique for Electric Bass: A Study of Technical Performance Solutions on Polyrhythmic Ostinato ]

Note: Cited also under “Jazz” heading.

  • Johansen, Astrid Rennemo. Bass ut av Boksen : En Studie Omkring Elbassen i en Multifunksjonell Rolle. University of Agder, 2011. Download Page

[ Bass Out of the Box: A Study About Electric Bass in a Multifunctional Role ]

–

Bachelors Theses

  • Battaglia, Tina. Teaching Double Bass through Lost Traditions of the 18th Century. B.M. Thesis Paper, James Madison University, 2024. Download Page  |  WorldCat Record
  • Blanco Rad, Amaya. The Violone / Double Bass Pedagogy in the “Early Music.” B.M. Thesis.  Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2017.
  • Bořková, Dagmar. ZUŠ v Polici nad Metují – Fenomén Umělecké Školy na Malém Městě v Pohraničí. Bc.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2009. DSpace AMU Record – Hdl.handle net – AMU Library Record

[ ZUŠ v Polici nad Metují – Phenomenon of the Art School in Small Town on the Border ]

Note: This bachelor’s thesis presents the teaching conditions at an elementary art school located in a small border town of the Czech Republic in order to explore the prerequisites necessary for the successful work at this type of school. Due to the author’s field of study (double bass), one section of this thesis is devoted to the methodology of teaching the double bass to a group of children.

  • Čeh, Karlo. Metodički Pristup Nastavi Kontrabasa u Pripremnim Razredima i Srednjoj Školi. Bachelor Thesis, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Muzička Akademija, 2023 Download Page
  • Dwyer, Rachael M. An Overview of Contemporary Double Bass Pedagogy: An Aid for Teachers of Double Bass Who Are Not Double Bassists. B.M. Thesis, Griffith University, Australia, 2000. Record Link
  • Ess, Markus. Der Kinderkontrabass : Neue, erfolgversprechende Möglichkeiten in der instrumentalen Ausbildung. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2009. Record Link
  • Haller, Marc André. Didaktik de Kontrabassunterrichts mit 6-14-jährigen. B.M. Thesis. Hochshule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt am Main, 1993.

[ Posture and its Impact on Muscle Load When Playing the Double Bass ]

Note: This thesis covers the fields of physiology, general posture, and the system of left hand positions.

  • Hoppari, Fanni. Yliliikkuvuuden Haasteet Ja Mahdollisuudet: Sormien Yliliikku-Vien Nivelien Huomioonottaminen Kontrabassonsoiton Perus-Opetuksessa. B.M Thesis, Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu, Helsinki, 2011. Download Page

[ Challenges and Opportunities of Hypermobility of Joints in the Basic Education on the Double Bass ]

Note: Cited also under “Physiology” heading.

[ The Progression of Double Bass Methodology ]

  • Kopp, Karin. Undervisa i Grupp: En Observationsstudie om Hur Kontrabaslärare Designar Sina Lektioner i Gruppundervisning. Independent Thesis Basic Level (sic) (BM?). Karlstad University, 2015.  Download Page

[ Teaching Groups : A Qualitative Study of How Double Bass Teachers Design Their Lessons ]

  • Ries, Petr. Metodika Kontrabasové hry Warrena A. Benfielda. B.A. Thesis, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2003. AMU Library Record

[ The Double Bass Methodology of Warren A. Benfield ]

  • Schulze, Jürgen. Stimmung, Applikatur und Bogenhaltung Des Kontrabasses. Diplom Arbeit (B.M.) Thesis, Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Hamburg, 1991. Record Link
  • Wang, Zeyu. Destinationen und Ziele der Musikschaffenden : Eine Effiziente und Neue Übungsmethode auf dem Kontrabass am Beispiel der Stücke von Reinhold Moritzewitsch Glière. 2023. Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2023. OBVSG Record Link
  • Watt, Jeremy L. A Study of Perpetuating Prejudice between the ‘French’ and ‘German’ Styles of Bowing in Double Bass Sections. B.M. Thesis, Griffith University, Queensland Conservatorium, 1999. Record Link

–

–

Pedagogy – Auditions

  • Rose, Christopher Steven. An Orchestra Audition Handbook for Bass Players. D.M.A. Thesis, State University of Arizona, Phoenix, 2011. Download Page

Note: Download Page presents also the audio files of the orchestra excerpts performed by the author.

–

–

Pedagogy – Technology

  • Lindsay, Jason M. A Description of the Use of the Video Camera as a Teaching and Learning Tool for Double Bass Teachers and Students: A Doctoral Essay. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 1995.
  • Rees, Fred J. An Exploratory Study into the Development and Evaluation of a Self-Instructional Supplemental Videotape Program for the Beginning Double Bass Player. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Southern California, 1976.

–

–

Physiology

  • Brodarić, Luka. Uporabnosti in Pasti Telesne Vadbe v Povezavi z Igranjem Kontrabasa. M.M. Thesis, Univ. v Ljubljani, Akademija za Glasbo, Ljubljana, 2024. Download Page – Download Link

[ The Advantages and Drawbacks of Physical Fitness in Connection with Double Bass Performance ]

  • Chou, Yun-Chieh. When the Mouse Meets the Elephant: A Manual for String Bass Players with Application of the Philosophy and Principles of the F. M. Alexander Technique. D.M.A Thesis, Louisiana State University, Batton Rouge, 2013. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Cornélio, Giordano Cícero de Oliveira Moraes. Análise Acústica e Cinemática da Técnica de Mudança de Posição no Contrabaixo Acústico. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 2013. Download Page

[ The Acoustical and Kinematic Position Change Analysis on the Double Bass ]

  • Dennis, Allan Walter. The Effect of Three Different Methods of Supporting the Double Bass on Muscle Tension. D.M.Ed. Thesis, Indiana University, 1981. Record Link
  • Gomes, Taís Maria de Moura. Prática de Aquecimento na Performance Musical e suas Aplicações para o Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Julio de Mesquita Filho”, Instituto de Artes. São Paulo, 2020.  Download Page

[ Warm-up Procedures in Musical Performance and their Applications to the Double Bass ]

  • Hansson, Anna. Balans i Bas och Kropp : En Basists Sittställning och hur det Påverkar Ljudet. M.M.  Thesis, Royal College of Music in Stockholm, 2018. Download Page

[ Balance in Bass and Body : A Bassist’s Sitting Position and How It Affects the Sound. ]

Note: This study presents how double bassists use their bodies and offers guidance on how to approach bass performance in order to avoid injuries.

  • Hanzal, Matthias. Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PRMD) bei professionellen Orchestermusikern – inklusive Datenerhebung der aktuellen Beschwerdelage innerhalb eines renommierten Wiener Orchesters. 2019. Dr. Med. Thesis, Medizinische Universität Wien, 2019. Download Page – Download Link

[ Posture and its Impact on Muscle Load When Playing the Double Bass ]

Note: This thesis covers the fields of physiology, general posture, and the system of left hand positions.

  • Hoppari, Fanni. Yliliikkuvuuden Haasteet Ja Mahdollisuudet: Sormien Yliliikku-Vien Nivelien Huomioonottaminen Kontrabassonsoiton Perus-Opetuksessa. B.M Thesis, Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu, Helsinki, 2011. Download Page

[ Challenges and Opportunities of Hypermobility of Joints in the Basic Education of the Double Bass ]

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Horvath, Kathleen A. Biomechanical Analysis of Double Bassists’ Performance Postures. Ph.D. Thesis, Ohio State University, 1994.

[ The Connection Between Breathing and Playing Stringed Instruments ]

Note: This thesis presents the ideas on breathing in relation to the various aspects of performance on stringed instruments. The topic is approached holistically, with focus on the areas that affect both the performance and the general quality of performer’s life. The work consists of three sections. The first section presents a connection between breathing and physical aspects of playing (attitude and movement of the instrument), the second section explores the effects of breathing on psyche (especially the phenomenon of stage fright), and the last section explores connection between breathing and musical expression.

The author of the thesis was majoring in double bass at the time this thesis was written, so it is assumed that all the covered subjects apply to double bass playing as well.

  • Kocián, Martin. Prevention and Regeneration on Injuries Caused by Playing the Doublebass. Bachelorarbeit (Bachelor Thesis), Anton-Bruckner-Privatuniversität für Musik, Schauspiel und Tanz, 2018. Record Link – Abstract
  • Junca Goncalves, Andrey. Walking in Wellness: Preventative Care and Whole-Body Engagement in Jazz Double Bass Education. A.Mus.D. Thesis, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2022. Record Link
  • Lago, Mauricio da Silva. Aspectos Biomecânicos Posturais E Estratégias Em Otimização De Performance Para Contrabaixistas. M.M. Thesis, University of São Paulo, 2010. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Lopes, Leonardo. Movimentos Básicos de Performance do Contrabaixo: Descrição e Análise Cinesiológica. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 2015. Download Page – Download Link

[ Basic Performance Movements on Double Bass: Description and Kinesiological Analysis ]

  • Meidell, Katrin. Epidemiological Evaluation of Pain Among String Instrumentalists. D.M.A Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2011. Download Page

Note: This thesis is relevant to all string players, yet it also features some specific problems encountered by bassists on p. 42.

  • Pettit, Evan C. The Double Bassist’s Companion to Better Playing Health. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Oklahoma, 2012. Download Page
  • Pinca, Massimo. L’application de la Méthode Feldenkrais à l’enseignement de la Contrebasse. M.A. in Music Pedagogy. Haute Ecole de Musique de Genève, 2013.

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Salatino, Anthony J. Certain Physical Problems Involved in Playing the Double Bass. Ed.D. Thesis, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1963.
  • Summer, Martin. Physiologie am Kontrabass : die körperliche Beanspruchung des Schultergürtels beim Kontrabassspiel. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2012. Record Link
  • Volderauer, Anna-Maria. Körperliche Sonderbeanspruchung beim Kontrabassspiel : präventive und rückwirkende physiologische Zugänge zur Vermeidung von Fehlhaltungen und Folgeschäden. B.M. Thesis, Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien, 2019.

[ A Particular Physical Strain during the Performance on Double Bass: Preventive and Retroactive Physiological Approaches to Avoid Bad Posture and its Consequential Damage ]

–

–

Repertoire – Solo & Chamber

Doctoral Theses

  • Albright, Philip H. Original Solo Concertos for the Double Bass. Rochester, N.Y: University of Rochester Press, D.M.A. Thesis, University of Rochester, 1969. Download Page
  • Ballew, Cranford B. An Annotated Guide to Electroacoustic Solo Double Bass Repertoire: Published Scores to 2005. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 2007. Download Page
  • Barreto Olaya, Javier Alejandro. Three New Pieces for Double Bass by Colombian Composers Influenced by Colombian Traditions. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Nebraska, 2024. Downloald Page

Note: This thesis features three new pieces by Colombian composers that were commisioned by Javier Alejandro Barreto Olaya:

1. Zambrano, César. Suite No.1 for Solo Double Bass (2024) pp. 8-21.
2. Pérez, Germán Darío. Too Bass but Too High (Guabina) (2024) [ db & piano] pp. 22-32.
3. Cuesta-Moreno, Alexander. Arauca (2024) [ db & piano ] pp. 33-46.

Note 2: This thesis also offers an exemplary listing of solo bass compositions written by Colombian composers in Apendix A, pp. 53-54.

  • Buddo, Joseph C. A Comprehensive Performance Project in Double Bass Literature and Pedagogical Analyses of Selected Intermediate Level Solo Works for the Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 1992.

Note: Cited also under “Compositions” heading.

  • Chao, Min-Tzu. Interpretation and Expressive Imagery in the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto on Double Bass: Transcribed by Yung-Chiao Wei. D.M.A. Thesis, Baton Rouge, LA.: Louisiana State University, 2011. Download Page
  • Chen, Han-Jui. Compositional and Performing Strategies in Double Bass Solo and Chamber Music of Yao-Chen, Zhou Long, Chen Yi, Bright Sheng, Chia-Yu Hsu and Yuan-Chen. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2013.
  • Cho, Han H. Double Bass: Transcribed and Contemporary Repertoire. D.M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2010. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents also an overview of Franko Donatoni’s works for double bass, pp.16-65.

  • Cross, Alan Elliott. The Eight Concert Arias for Bass and Orchestra of W. A. Mozart. D.M.A Thesis, The University of Southern Mississippi, 1995.

Note: Cited also under “Composers” heading.

  • Dannessa, Karen L. An Annotated Bibliography of Trios for Clarinet, One String Instrument, and Piano, Composed between 1978 and 1990 by Composers Active in the United States. D.M. Thesis, Florida State University, 1994.

Note: Features a trio Threewe (1964) with string bass.

  • Gill, Samuel. A Comprehensive Analysis of the Music Literature Presented for the Double Bass Solo Recital As Partial Fulfillment of the Dissertation Requirements. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Colorado, 1988. Record Link
  • György, Robert Vilmos. Repertoriul Concertant al Contrabasului între Clasicism și Postromantism – Trei Repere Referențiale: Dittersdorf, Bottesini, Koussevitzky. Teză De Doctorat [ Doctoral Thesis ], Academia Națională de Muzică “Gheorghe Dima” din Cluj-Napoca, 2019. Thesis Page – Download Link

[ The Concert Repertoire of the Double Bass between Classicism and Post-Romanticism – Three Reference Composers: Dittersdorf, Bottesini, Koussevitzky ]

  • Howng, Cindy. Selected Annotated Bibliography of Compositions for Double Bass by Chinese and Taiwanese Composers. D.M.A. Thesis, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 2020.Download Page
  • Ibemere, Gracie. Interactions between Text and Music in Three Pieces by Jon Deak, Frank Proto, and Tom Johnson, University of Houston, 2018. Download Page

[ Concert for Double Bass and Orchestra – Stylistic, Aesthetic and Interpretational Aspects ]

  • Jones, Kathryn E. Prokofiev Beckons the Double Bass Into the Modern Age: a Pedagogical Study of the Op 39 Quintet. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2014. Page Download

Note: Cited also under Prokofiev in “Composers” heading.

  • Kelley, Maurice E. Performance Practice Issues in the Short Solo Works of Serge Koussevitzky. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2006. Download Page
  • Lazarov, Tsvetomir Angelov. Проблеми на Контрабасовото Изпълнителско Изкуство в Някои Произведения от Соловата и Оркестровата Литература на XX Век. D.M.A. Thesis, Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music, Sofia, 2004. Record Link

[ Problems in Double Bass Performance Art in Some Works of Solo and Orchestral Literature of the 20th Century ]

  • Lee, Hyungtag. A Stylistic Comparison into the Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass: Proto, Sankey, and DaXun. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2016. Download Page
  • Mejía Londoño, Juan D. A Catalog of Chamber Music Works for Cello in Trio, Quartet, and Quintet Formats from Colombian Composers Who Lived during the Late Nineteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries. D.M.A. Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2020. Download Link
  • Moga, Liviu. Contrabasul, Instrument Redescoperit în Muzica Secolului al XX-lea : Noile Trăsături Caracteristice în Muzica Modernă şi de Jazz. Doctorat Profesional Thesis. Academia de Muzică “Gheorghe Dima”, Cluj-Napoca, 2006.

[ Double Bass, a Musical Instrument Rediscovered in the Twentieth Century : New Traits Characteristics of Modern and Jazz Music ]

  • Neubert, Bernard D. Contemporary Unaccompanied Double Bass Works: An Analysis of Style, Performance Techniques and Notational Practices. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, 1982. Record Link
  • Pickett, Angela. A Case for the Bass in Chamber Music. D.M.A. Thesis, Manhattan School of Music, 2013. Record Link
  • Politis, Evgenios. Τα ανέκδοτα έργα των Ελλήνων συνθετών για κοντραμπάσο και πιάνο στην Ελλάδα του 20ου αιώνα. Ph.D. Thesis (?), Ionian University, 2013. – Thesis Record – Online View

[ The Greek Composers’ Unpublished Works for Double Bass and Piano in the 20th Century Greece ]

Note: The thesis degree is not cited, however a Ph.D level is assumed in consideration of the quality and extent of presented research.

  • Raschen, Gudrun. Chamber Music with Double Bass: A New Approach to Function and Pedagogy. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2009. Download Page
  • Ray, Sonia. Brazilian Classical Music for the Double Bass: An Overview of the Instrument, the Major Popular Music Influences Within Its Repertoire and a Thematic Catalogue. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 1998.

Note: This thesis features a discussion of the Apertura Dura Hervida, an overture for double bass, wind quintet and string quartet (c2008), and a CD with a performance of the same work.

  • Saliot, Anne. Apects de la Contrebasse Solitaire. [ Doctoral Thesis ] University of Tours (?), France, 1994. Record Link

[ The Aspects of the Solitary Double Bass ]

Note: The record of this work appears incomplete, yet the available data implies a Doctoral level work of some 154 pages. The term “Solitaire” may imply “Solo,” and the actual scope of this work will be summarized here once the work can be perused.

  • Saunders, Ian S. Representative Works from the Italian, French, and American Schools of Double Bass Playing, D.M.A. Thesis, University of Maryland, College Park, 2016. Download Page
  • Smărăndescu, Săndel. Creaţia Pentru Contrabas în Muzica Românească din Secolul XX Până Astăzi. Doctor în Muzică Thesis. Universitatea Naţională de Muzică, Bucarest, 2012.

[ The Oeuvre of Compositions for Double Bass in Romanian Music from the Onset of the 20th Century until Today ]

  • Steiner, Jeffrey Steven. The Music of Czech Composers: Three Interpretive Analyses and a Brief History. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Colorado 2006.

Note: This thesis presents Antonín Dvořák’s Serenade, Op. 44 in D minor, for Winds, Violoncello and Double Bass.

  • Stern, Max. Organizing Procedures Involving Indeterminacy and Imporvisation in Compositions for Solo Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Colorado, Boulder, 1989. Record Link
  • Sullivan, Emma Maree. Collaborative Contrabass: Exploring the Role of the Double Bass in Chamber Music Through Performance. D.M.A. Thesis, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia, 2017. Download Page
  • Sztankov, Ivan. A 20.- 21. Századi Magyar Nagybigi Irodalom Kodály Zoltántól Napjainkig. Ph.D. Thesis, Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Budapest, 2012. Download Page

[ Hungarian Double Bass Literature of the 20th and 21st Century from Zoltán Kodály to Present ]

  • Tavares Furtado, Rebeca. An Annotated Catalog of Works by Women Composers for the Double Bass, D.M.A. Thesis, The University of Iowa, 2019. Download Link
  • Thomasz, Ştefan. Transcriere şi Adaptare Pentru Contrabas în Creaţia lui J. S. Bach. Doctor în Muzică Thesis. Universitatea Naţională de Muzică, Bucarest, 2007.

[ Transcriptions and Arrangements for Double Bass from J. S. Bach’s Opus ]

Note: Cited also under “Composers” – “Bach, Johann Sebastian.”

  • Wagner, Julie C. A Survey of Compositions for Bass by Bassists. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Maryland, College Park, 2011. Download Page

Note: The pdf. document contains only the recital programs?

  • Yang, Sungmo. Survey of Wind Ensemble Repertoire with Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Oklahoma, 2024. Download Page
  • Zayas, Nestor E. The Most Significant Concertos for Double Bass Written Since 1970: Reviews and Performance Approaches. D.M. Dissertation, Florida State University, 2010. Download Page

–

Masters Theses

 

  • Alvaré, Andrew L. Septets, Octets, Nonets: Romantic Chamber Music in its Cultural Contexts. M.M. Thesis, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2007. Download Page
  • Asbury, Monte Gene. The Performance of Selected Compositions for the Double Bass. M.A. Thesis,  University of Iowa, 1975. Record Link

[ Double Bass in the Opus of Important Music Composers ]

  • Cowart, Steed D. Three Original Compositions and Three Papers: On Aspects of Works by Berio, Maderna, and Mozart. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 1982.

Note: The composition related to bass field is “Octet with Bass,” however the composer is not identifiable from the record.

  • Elmore, Ian M. Technical Difficulties and Solutions in Double Bass Concertos. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 2020. Download Page
  • Foley, Marta Carvalho. “Oh, Where we shall go… – Semi-Improvised Performance Involving Modified Double Bass With Gamified Public Interaction.” M.A. Thesis,   ESMAE – Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, 2023. Download Page – hdl.handle.net
  • Gibson, Rodney Raymond. Literature for the Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 1959.
  • Hays, Kenneth W. Concert Music for Double Bass and Chamber Orchestra. M.M. Thesis, University of Miami, 1981.
  • Houdek, Joseph J. A Catalogue of Literature for the Contrabass. M.M Thesis, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1948. Record Link
  • Kašić, Andrej. Pregled Kontrabasističnih Del Slovenskih Skladateljev. M.M. Thesis, Univ. v Ljubljani, Akademija za Glasbo, Ljubljana, 2018. Record Link

[ An Overview of Double Bass Compositions by Slovenian Composers ]

[ Influences of the Eastern Tradition in Contemporary Double Bass Literature ]

Note: This thesis covers the musical and technical elements of eastern (Oriental / Asian) music in the contemporary bass music. It also presents the list of composers with their works that feature eastern styles.

  • Kohn, Andrew David. The Performance of Selected Compositions for the String Bass. M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa: 1985. Record Link
  • Konzett, Bernd. Franz Reinecke und Seine Tätigkeit im Bereich der Modernen Kontrabaßliteratur. [ Degree not cited ] Hochschule Mozarteum, Salzburg, 1998. Mozarteum Record Link – OBVSG Record Link

[ Franz Reinecke and his Work in the Field of Modern Double Bass Literature ]

Note: Franz Reinecke may not be known in the fields of bass and music, so the author of this site was curious to find more about him. However, the only person located online and who appears to have been related to music field may have been one of the Reinecke brothers, a music and book merchants at about 1890. Please see the Google book page which cites the Reinecke brothers at the Adreßbuch des deutschen Buchhandels, Volume 57 Google Books Link . The OBVSG record for this thesis however cites under “Schlagwörter” field also “Geschichte 1991-1995” (History 1991-1995) and which certainly is more recent than 1890s, so perhaps Franz Reinecke may be a contemporary person as well?

  • Kline, Matthew. New Compositions for the Double Bass. M.A. Thesis, UC San Diego, 2015. – Download Page

Note: This thesis presents an analysis of contemporary compositions by Fernanda Navarro, Roger Reynolds, Chinary Ung, Kenneth Gaburo, Krzysztof Penderecki and John Dorhauer.

  • Krueger, Jennifer E. Resource Anthology of Music by Women. M.A. Thesis, Houghton College, 2006. WorldCat Record

Note: One of the featured compositions is a quintet with double bass. Yet, the WolrdCat record does not indicate the author of this composition.

  • Lister, Laurie-Jeanne. Humor as a Concept in Music : A Theoretical Study of Expression in Music, the Concept of Humor, Humor in Music and an Analytical Example ; Ein Musikalischer Spaß KV 522. M.A. Thesis, Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Wien, 1992.

Note: Extended and published as a book in 1994. Book Record Link

  • Lučanko, Oleg Myhajlovyč (Лучанко, Олег Михайлович) Žanr Kontrabasovogo Koncertu v Muzyčno-istoryčnomu Procesi. [M.M. Thesis ?] Lvìvska Nacìonalna Muzična Akademìâ, Lviv, Ukraine, 2008.

[ The Genre of Double Bass Concerto in a Musical-Historical Process ]

  • Miller, David Leon. The Performance of Selected Literature for Double Bass. M.F.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 1977. Record Link
  • Pinca, Massimo. Le Rôle de la Tradition Orale dans la Création pour Contrebasse inspiré du Jazz. M.A. in Concert Performance. Haute Ecole de Musique de Genève, 2011.

Note: Cited also under “Composers” – “Proto, Frank” heading.

  • Reinecke, Wayne W. An Historical Study and Comparative Analysis of the Beethoven Septet and the Schubert Octet. M.A. Thesis, Long Beach State College, 1964.
  • Seymour, David R. The History and Literature of the Double Bass Before 1900. M.S. Thesis, Illinois State University, 1966.
  • Scicluna, Michelle. The Double Bass in Music History and in the Performance of Chamber Music. [ degree not cited ] University of Malta, 2014. Record Link
  • Stanton, David H. The Double Bass: A Compendium. M.M.Ed. Thesis, Oberlin College, 1959.

Note: Cited also under “Pedagogy” heading.

  • Takacs, Cody. Developing Vocal Techniques in Contemporary Solo Double Bass Repertoire. M.M. Thesis, Royal Conservatory of The Hague, 2016. RCat Download Page (left item)

Note: This thesis presents the vocalization techniques required for the performance of contemporary solo bass pieces and the repertoire that requires such a technique. Cited also under “Bass Technique” heading.

  • Wellington, Kiyoe K. D. The Double Bass and Theatricality: Technique as Choreography and Approaching a Theatrical Work. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2018.

Note: A citation from the abstract:
“Various pieces will be looked at that integrate characteristics of theatre and/or dance, so to create a new and more complete experience for the audience and performer.”

  • Worthington, Scott. Shadows of Romanticism. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2011. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents György Kurtág’s “Signs, Games, and Messages” along with bass compositions of Sciarrino and Xenakis.

  • Zlopaša, Darko.  Razvoj Kontrabasa ka Solo Instrumentu. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2012. Record Link

–

Bachelors Theses

  • Birkinsaw, Scott B. Solos for Double-Bass. B.M. Thesis, University of Utah, 1964.
  • Hehenberger, Erich Andreas. Der Malaric-Nachlaß in der Hochschulbibliothek Mozarteum in Salzburg. Diploma Thesis, Hochshule für Musik und dartestellende Kunst “Mozarteum“, Salzburg, 1994. Record Link
  • Jacobs, Katrina. Finding the Double Bass in American Chamber Music, 1890-1925. “Honors Music” Thesis, University of South Dakota, 2005.
  • Mathews, Beatrice S. A Study and Comparison of Beethoven’s Septet and Schubert’s Octet. B.M. Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA. 1959.
  • Muck, Daniel. Junge Musik für Kontrabass. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2014. Record Link

Note: Since the synopsis of this thesis is not available, this work may feature either the repertoire suitable for young bassists, or the New (Young) Music of a kind.

  • Nickerson, Thomas. Thematic Catalogue for Upright Bass Concerti. B.M. Thesis, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2013. Download Page
  • Pätzold, Raphael. Streichquintette mit Kontrabass. B.M. Thesis (Bachelorarbeit), Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, 2020. Download Page
  • Stingl, Sebastian. Werkanalyse Des Duos Für Violoncello Und Kontrabass “Spannungsfelder” Von Tomasz Skweres (2014), Diplomarbeit (Bachelor Thesis), Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Wien, 2014.

[ The Development of Solo Contrabass Literature  ]

[ The Development of Double Bass Literature in the Past Fifty Years ]

  • Wimmer, Christoph. Der Kontrabass als Soloinstrument, Die solistische Blütezeit des Instruments in Wien zwischen 1760 und 1800. Hochschulschrift. Anton Bruckner Privatuniversität Linz, 2007.

–

–

Repertoire – Orchestra

Doctoral Theses

  • Amaral, Claudia Silva Do. Analysis of the Technical Literature for Double Bass Applied to Orchestral Excerpts. D.M.A Thesis, University of Georgia, Athens, 2018. Download Page  

Note: Cited also under “Bass in Orchestra” heading.

  • Barket, James C. “The Speaker of the Orchestra”: An Analytical Study of the Bass Line in the Fourth Movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1993.

Master Theses

  • Giller, Alexandra Patricia. Experts and Excerpts: the Application of Giovanni Bottesini’s Complete Method for the Contre-Basse to the Preparation of Orchestral Excerpts Taken From the Works of Giuseppe Verdi. M.A. Thesis, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 2015. Download Page

Note: Cited also under “Bass Players” – “Bottesini” and “Pedagogy” headings.

Bachelors Theses

  • Neunteufel, Dominik. Violoncello und Basso : die Entwicklung von eigenständigen Kontrabassstimmen in Joseph Haydns Sinfonien. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg,  2011. Record Link

–

–

Theses – Arrangements / Transcriptions

Doctoral Theses

  • Acerb, Sergio. An Arrangement of Franz Schubert’s Cycle of Song “die Schöne Müllerin” for Double Bass and Piano. D.M.A. Thesis, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 2008. Download Page
  • Azevedo, Francisco Gonçalves de. Fryderyk Chopin’s Music on Double Bass: Four Etudes Transcribed for Double Bass and Piano. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, Athens, 2014. Download Link
  • Alger, Shawn. Transcribing Viola da Gamba Literature for the Modern Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Maryland, College Park, 2015. Download Page
  • Beccari, Mattia. A Transcription and Performance Edition of Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss For Solo Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 2024. Download Page
  • Changchien, Wen-Ting. Playing Shostakovich’s Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40, for Cello and Piano on the Double Bass: An Edition and Performance Commentary. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2004.
  • Chao, Min-Tzu. Interpretation and Expressive Imagery in the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto on Double Bass: Transcribed by Yung-Chiao Wei. D.M.A. Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 2011. Download Page
  • Chen, Der-Shiuan. Interpretation and Execution of Chords on the Double Bass from Select Movements of the Bach Cello Suites. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2018. Download Page
  • Cory, Matthew Dorn. Mahler’s “Kindertotenlieder”: “Nineteenth Century Vienna Meets Seattle” A Modern Arrangement For The Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of California, Los Angeles, 2012. Download Page
  • Ford, Ryan K. Johann Sebastian Bach, Partita in A minor for Solo Flute, BWV 1013 : An Analysis and Transcription for the Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, Hartt School, University of Hartford, 2013.
  • Gonçalves de Azevedo, Francisco. Fryderyk Chopin’s Music on Double Bass: Four Etudes Transcribed for Double Bass and Piano. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, Athens, 2014. Download Link
  • Hare, Matthew J. Essay on a Transcription and Performance of Mozart’s Horn Concerto, K.495, for Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 2003.
  • Hildreth, Thomas Patrick. Two Mozart Violin Sonatas Transcribed for the Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Georgia, 2012. Download Page
  • Hwangbo, Minjoo. Transcribing Double Bass Repertoire for the Cello: Bottesini’s Elegy in C Major and Fantasia on “La Sonnambula.” D.M.A. Thesis, University of Kansas, 2022. Preview Page
  • Lin, Yen-Ling. Transcribing Taiwanese Composer Tyzen Hsiao Compositions to the Double Bass with Performance Suggestions for Selected Pieces. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 2017. Download Page
  • McWilliams, Jonathan. A Double Bass Transcription Sonata of Beethoven’s G Minor Cello Sonata Op. 5 No. 2. D.M.A. Thesis. University of Georgia, 2020. Download Page – WorldCat Link
  • Pan, Yong H. The Transcription for Two Double Basses of Selections from Pièces De Violes, Quatrème Livre, Deuxiême Partie: Suitte D’un Goût Etranger by Marin Marais. D.M.A. Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 2006. Download Page
  • Pardi, Evan. Ernest Bloch’s Cello Suite No. 1: A Contextualization, Analysis, and Double Bass Arrangement. D.M.A. Thesis, Arizona State University, 2024. Download Page
  • Sankey, Li T. The Transcription for Double Bass of Two French Suites for Viola Da Gamba by Roland Marais and Joseph De Boismortier. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Miami, 1993.
  • Wang, Ju-Cheol. Quantz Concerto No. 182: A Transcription for the Double Bass and Orchestra with Performance Guide. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 2003.

Masters Theses

  • Alleshouse, Richard. Transcription of Marcello: Sonata in E Minor Op. 2 #2 For Double Bass Solo with String Orchestra Accompaniment. M.A. Thesis, Ohio State University, 1966. Ohio State University Record
  • Campos, João Paulo Ferreira. Técnicas Estendidas do Contrabaixo em Três Arranjos Crossover de Canções Populares. M.M. Thesis. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Escola de Música, Belo Horizonte, 2018. Download Page

[ Extended Bass Techniques in Three Crossover Arrangements of Popular Songs ]

  • Caridade, Larissa da Costa Coutrim. As 16 valsas para Fagote solo de Francisco Mignone: Transcrição para o Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis. Rio de Janeiro: PPGM/UFRJ, 2013. Record Link 1 – Record Link 2 – Download Link

[ The 16 Waltzes for Solo Bassoon by Francisco Mignone : Transcription for Double Bass ]

  • Galombeck, Robert B. The Kol Nidre, Its History and Musical Development. M.A. Thesis, Ball State University, 1977.
  • Herceg, Jura. Franz Schubert: Sonata za Arpeggione i Klavir. M.M. Thesis, Muzička Akademija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, 2015. Record Link 
  • Kirk, Richard D. Performance Practices of John Dowland Lute Songs. M.A. Thesis, Ball State University, 1975.

Note: This thesis presents a transcription of J. Dowland’s “Lute Songs” and includes a tape of the performance.

  • Koehler, William K. Robert Schumann’s Phantasiestücke Op. 73, a Transcription for Double Bass and Piano. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 1981.
  • Lindley, Ian. Appropriately Adapting Vocal Repertoire for the Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, California State University Northridge, 2023. Download Page
  • Olarte de los Ríos, Carlos Andrés. Tres Adaptaciones de Música Andina Colombiana a la Literatura Solista del Contrabajo. M.M. Thesis, Universidad EAFIT, Medelin, Colombia, 2024. Download Page

[ Three Adaptations of Colombian Andean Music to Double Bass Solo Literature ]

  • Rives, James A. The Fourth Beethoven Cello Sonata: Transcribed for String Bass and Orchestra. M.M.Ed. Thesis, University of Tulsa, 1958.
  • Souidi, Sara. Lastna Priredba in Analiza Sonate J. S. Bacha za Violo da Gambo in Čembalo v G-Molu (BMW 1029) za Kontrabas in Klavir. M.M. Thesis, Akademija za Glasbo, Ljubljana, 2015. Download Page – Donwload Link

[ An Arrangement and Analysis of J. S. Bach’s Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Minor (BMW 1029) for Double Bass and Piano ]

Bachelor Theses

  • Li, I. Jung. Performing Beethoven Op. 5 No. 2 on Double Bass : on Dragonetti’s Steps. Bachelor Thesis, Universität Mozarteum Salzburg, 2022. Record Link

–

–

Theses – Contemporary Compositions – Solo

  • Andrade, Danilo Cardoso de. Concertino para Contrabaixo e Orquestra de Câmara de José Siqueira: um Processo de Edição, Análise e Redução para Piano e Contrabaixo. M.M. Thesis, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, 2011. Library Record – Download Links: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4

[ Concertino for Bass and Chamber Orchestra by José Siqueira: a Process of Editing, Analysis and Reduction for Piano and Bass ]

Note: Cited also under “Composers” – “Siqueira, José de Lima (1907-1985)”

  • Anderson, Jonathan D. The Creative Process in Cross-Influential Composition. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, 2010. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents composition “Lusmore” for double bass and Max/MSP.

  • Applebaum, Mark. Triple Concerto : for Piano, Percussion, and Contrabass with Two Percussionists, Guitar, Harp, and Large Choir. Ph. D. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 1996. Record Link
  • Arslanian, Artin S. Concerto for Double-Bass and Orchestra. Ph.D. Thesis, Boston University, 1952. Download Page
  • Burdick, David H. The Eclectic Heartland: Tone Poem for Symphony Orchestra and Double Bass Soloist. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, 1994.
  • Burger, Willem N. Danssuite Vir Houtblaaskwartet, Sonate Vir Kontrabas En Klavier, Trilogie Vir Dameskoor, Altsolis En Strykorkes: Verlate, Weemoed En Kontras (a.d. Keet). M.M. Thesis, University of Pretoria, South Africa, 1980.

Note: This thesis features Sonata for Double Bass and Piano.

  • Cole, Andrew Seager. Naya Jeevan, Concerto for Double Bass and Wind Ensemble. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2014. Download Page
  • Conti, Sebastian. String Bass Concerto with Orchestra And/or Piano Accomp. M.M. Thesis, University of Rochester, NY, 1951.

Note: This thesis consist of two sections: the concerto score and the concerto analysis titled as “An Essay on the String Bass Concerto.”

  • Clutton, Robert J. Composing for Double Bass: Intrinsic Particularities. M.A. Thesis, York University, Toronto, 2008 [unclear if contains new compositions for bass – also cited under “Pedagogy” heading]
  • Federmeyer, Jason, and Mark Applebaum. Fingerless, Beneath a Curtain: For Solo Double Bass and Chamber Ensemble. D.M.A. Thesis, Stanford University, 2009. Record Link
  • Gibson, Robert L. Concerto for Double Bass and Chamber Orchestra. Doctoral Thesis, University of Maryland, 1980.
  • Ireland, Kristian. The end is no process. D.M.A. Thesis, Department of Music, Stanford University, 2010. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents a compositions for oboe, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, flugelhorn, trombone, percussion, cello, and double bass.

  • Labor, Tim. Canadian Pacific. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 1990.

Note: The bass related content is a composition “Stagger for solo contrabass” (?)

  • McDevitt, Megan M. And You Askance Reply: Three Programs of Double Bass Music, D.M.A. Thesis, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2017.

Note: This thesis features the works of contemporary composers and along the concepts and aesthetics of these works.

  • Miller, Keith. Concertino for Double Bass and Orchestra. “e.l.m.”. D.M.A. Thesis, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2013. Download Page
  • O’Malley, Patrick. 13 compositions. M.M. Thesis, University of Southern California, 2015. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents the composition Slow Movement for Double Bass “Rest and Restless”, 2014, pdf. p. 85.

  • Plummer, Bren A. Concerto for Double Bass and String Orchestra. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Washington, 2010. Record Link
  • Soeiro, Bruno. Portfolio of Compositions and Technical Commentary. Ph.D. Thesis, King’s College London, 2013. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents Around Promiscuous Beats, for solo double bass and ensemble, and the composition analysis.

  • Snyder, Mark. Iron John: For Solo Bass & Orchestra. M.M. Thesis, Ohio University, 2003.
  • Tacke, Daniel Arthur. Notation as a Compositional Tool : Three Exemplary Pieces. Ph.D. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2012. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents Composition II: Solo Music N.5 / For Contrabass, p. 13. Solo part uses exclusively bass harmonics.

  • Tang, Joyce W. Suite for Virtual Double Bass: A Three Dimensional Composition Based on Original Digital Sounds Created by Computer Assisted Transformation of Original Recorded Sound Samples. M.Phil. Thesis, Hong Kong Baptist University, 1998.
  • Verdié, de V. R. A. E. Modulation 4:3 for Bandoneon, Harp, Double Bass and Orchestra. Ph.D. Thesis, University of California, Berkeley, 2002.

Note: This composition can be perceived as a “concertato” solo work – thus remains under the “Solo” heading.

  • Wetters, Brent A. Fermate: The Caesura and Suspension in Music and Poetics : Writings and Compositions. M.A. Thesis, Wesleyan University, 2003. Record Link

Note: The record’s subject heading indicates “Double Bass Music” – unable to determine which of the cited pieces belongs to the bass repertoire.

  • Wieneke, Paul. Poured Brilliant: For Contra-Bass and Small Orchestra. D.M.A. Project, Department of Music, Stanford University, 1983. Record Link
  • Yager, William Ashton Wise. In a Dark Room: A Thesis Recording Project of Commissioned Works for Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Iowa, 2021. Preview Page

–

–

Theses – Contemporary Compositions – Chamber

  • Amort, Joseph Scott. Sans Fin Sans (Endlessness): for Guitar, Seven Wind Instruments and Double Bass. D.M.A. Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2009. Download Page
  • Baril, Félix F. Dérèglement Passager De Corps Hétérogènes: Le Concept D’organisme Musical Et La Métaphore Du Virus : Étude Sur Les Possibilités De Développement Organique Du Matériau Musical. M.M. Thesis, McGill University, 2006. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents the “Variations” for piano, clarinet, flute, horn, violin, violoncello and double bass.

  • Beecher, Lembit Lepasaar. And Then I Remember. A. Mus.D., University of Michigan, 2009. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents Oratorio for Solo Soprano, Solo Double Bass, Male Chorus, Chamber Ensemble, Tape And Video.

  • Bell, Jeffrey C. Present Absence: A work for string quintet and live electronics. M.M. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2001. Download Page
  • Bennighof, James. A Theory of Harmonic Areas Defined by Pitch-Class Sets. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Iowa, 1984.

Note: This thesis presents “Sunsuite” for clarinet, viola, double bass, and piano.

  • Berger, Mark. Klang and Structure: Franz Schreker’s Chamber Symphony (1916), and an Original Composition, Upon a Wheel of Cloud (2008) for Viola, Violoncello and Double Bass. Ph.D. Thesis, Brandeis University, 2012. Brendeis University Record – ProQuest – Limited Preview
  • Bolte, Jason L. Forgotten Dreams: An Electro-Acoustic Composition for Double Bass, Eight-Channel Digital Audio, and Interactive Electronics. M.M. Thesis, Ball State University, 2003.
  • Cutlan, Paul. Different Every Time: The Integration of Improvisation into Through-Composed Music. M.M. Thesis, University of Sydney, 2012. Download Page – WorldCat Link

Note: This thesis presents a quintet for clarinet, 2 violins, viola, double bass (unidentified) and a sextet for piano, horn, saxophone, trumpet, percussion, double bass (also unidentified).

  • Cutright, David. Tableaux: For String Sextet and String Orchestra. M.M. Thesis, Hartt School, University of Hartford, 2008.

Note: This thesis presents a String Sextet for 2 violins, 2 violas, violoncello, double bass with string orchestra.

  • Davis, Joshua Clinton. X Y Z Chamber Music Composition for Violin, Violoncello, Double Bass, Marimba, and Percussion. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Maryland, 2007. Download Page
  • Francis, Patrick M. Music from Delirious Eye: “trio for Guitar, Double Bass, and Violin,” with Analysis and Commentary. D.M.A. Thesis, Arizona State University, 1996.
  • Fryer, Cheryl A. An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Chamber Music for Saxophone, Winds and Percussion with Analyses Of Danses Exotiques by Jean Françaix, and Nonet by Fisher Tull. D.M.A Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2003. Download Page

Note: The following compositions with bass are discussed or cited:

George Longy (1868-1930) Rhapsodie-Lento (1904) Septet with saxophone, harp, bass, two clarinets, bassoon, and timpani. p. 2.
Henry Woolett, Octuor No. 1 for oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, two violins, viola, cello and double bass, p. 2
Will Eisma (1929), Gadget: for Winds and Double Bass, 1972-9, p. 48.
Clark, Thomas (1949- ) Dreamscape (1978), p. 40.
Tarenskeen, Boudewijn (1952), Machtelt Suite (1978), p. 59.
Jean Françaix, Concerto pour Contrebasse et Orchestre, 1974, p. 70.

  • Gilberti, Adam J. Volume I. into the Depths: A Critical Study of Low-Frequency Orchestral Extensions ; Volume II. Event Horizon : for Sub-Contrabass Ensemble. Ph.D. Thesis, UCLA, 2011.

Note: “Event horizon” is a composition for double contrabass flute in C, hyperbass flute in C, octocontrabass clarinet in B♭, subcontrabass tubax in B♭, subcontrabass tuba, bass earth harp, string octobass, percussion 1 (contrabass marimba, thundersheet, bell pates, bass chimes, titanic tam-tam, tuned gongs), and percussion 2 (4 graduated bass drums and 4 graduated tam-tams).

Considering all the low instruments featured, it is assumed that a “string octobas” actually belongs to a double bass type of instrument?

  • Johansen, Benjamin D. Relent: A Composition for Alto Saxophone, Double Bass, Two Percussion, and Interactive Electronics. Ph.D. Thesis, University of North Texas, Denton, 2012. Download Page
  • Lai, Nga T. A. A Portfolio of Music Compositions. M.M. Thesis, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. [Thesis features a sextet “Labyrinth” with double bass]

Note: This thesis presents a sextet “Labyrinth” with double bass.

  • Landis, Steven. String Quintet No.1 Ghost Town Portraits. M.M. Thesis, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2013. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents a composition for 2 violins, viola, cello and double bass.

  • Malta, L S. Esther in Yellow. M.A. Thesis, Queens College, Department of Music, 1989.

Note: This thesis presents a composition for violin, violoncello and contrabass.

  • Mansukhani, Adrian. Portfolio of Compositions. M.M. in Composition Thesis, University of Sydney, 2008.

Note: This thesis presents a string quintet for 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass – title not identifiable.

  • Milholland, Frank W. Suite for Strings and Piano. M.F.A. Thesis, Miami University, 1969.

Note: This thesis presents a Suite for piano, 2 violins, viola, violoncello and double bass.

  • Miller, Lisa Cay. Green ideas. D.M.A. Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2011. Download Page

Note: This thesis presents a composition for two violins, viola, cello, double bass, electric guitar, piano and drum set.

  • Moore, Christopher T. The Cleansing Storm. D.M.A. Thesis, Department of Music, Stanford University, 2008. Record Link

Note: This thesis presents a Nonet for piano, bassoon, clarinet, flute, violins (2), viola, cello and double bass.

  • Nelson, Gary L. Anton Webern’s Five Canons, Opus 16: A Test Case for Computer-Aided Analysis and Synthesis of Musical Style ; Double Quartet : January 1973. Ph.D. Thesis, Washington University, 1974.

Note: This thesis presents a Quintet for clarinet, electronics, trombone, vibraphone, double bass – unidentified (?)

  • Parmenter, Joshua David. Organon Sostenuto. For flute, cello, bassoon, double bass and live electronics. D.M.A. Thesis, University of Washington, 2005.
  • Randolph, Fred H, and Fred H. Randolph. Analysis of Resurrection: A Composition for String Quintet. M.A. Thesis, Calif. State University, Hayward,  1994.

Note: This thesis presents a composition for string quintet – 2 violins, viola, cello and double bass.

  • Riordan, Brian. Laniakea for Pipa, Horn in F, Double Bass, Piano, and Laptop: Some Considerations and Analysis. M.M. Thesis, University of Pittsburgh, 2015. Download Page
  • Silver, Harriet S. S. Suite for Bassoon and Strings. M.A. Thesis [project], California State University, Sacramento, 1958.

Note: This thesis presents a Suite for bassoon, 2 violins, viola, violoncello and double bass.

  • Srikaranonda, Pathorn B. Quintett Für Klavier Und Streich Quartett. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2001.

Note: This thesis presents a Quintet with double bass.

  • Weiner, Alison. Three Suites: A Celebration of Klezmer. M.A. Thesis, Florida Atlantic University, 2010. Download Page

Note: This thesis features Suite No. 2: For Paul, A Master of Music for Clarinet, Piano, Double Bass and Drums.

  • Weinstein, Joshua I. Septation: An Eye-Witness (re)composition of the September 11 Attacks. M.A. Thesis, University of California, San Diego, 2011. Source Page

Note: This thesis presents an Octet for piano, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, percussion, guitar and double bass.

–

–

Theses – Contemporary Compositions – Electric Bass

  • Malone, Kyle D. Double Concerto for Electric Guitar, Electric Six-String Bass Guitar, and Wind Ensemble, with a Model Analysis. D.A. Thesis, University of Northern Colorado, 2000.

–

–

Theses – Contemporary Compositions – National / Folk Music

  • Francom, Stacey. Bluegrass Bass Fiddle Solos. B.M (?) Thesis, Brigham Young University, 2005.

–

–

Theses – Contemporary Compositions – Other Forms

  • Dessanay, Sebastiano. The Cry of the Double Bass : A Chamber Opera. Ph. D. Thesis, Birmingham City University, 2013. Record Link

[ Influences of the Eastern Tradition in Contemporary Double Bass Literature ]

Note: This thesis covers the musical and technical elements of eastern (Oriental / Asian) music in the contemporary bass music. It also presents the list of composers with their works that feature eastern styles.

–

–

Bass in Literature

  • Degler, Frank. Aisthetische Reduktionen : Analysen zu Patrick Süskinds “Der Kontrabaß”, “Das Parfum” und “Rossini”. Ph.D.Thesis, Universität Mannheim, 2002.

Note: Issued also as a book, cited also in ABP Books

  • Szimán, Imre Kristóf. Patrick Süskind: der Kontrabass – das bekannte Monodrama im zeitgenössischen Format eines Videoblogs. B.M. Thesis, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, 2016. Record Link

–

–

Other

Conferences & Conventions

  • Kamil, Kristen. Mezinárodní Kontrabasová Setkání a Soutěže v Brně. B.M. Thesis, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Ostrava, 2019. Ostrava Theses Portal

[ International Double Bass Conventions and Competitions in Brno ]

Music Therapy

  • Morelli, Whitney R. Responses of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Sounds of and Interactions with the Double Bass. M.M. Thesis, Illinois State University, 2019. Partial Preview Page – ProQuest

Sociology

  • Bandian, Nikolaus. Organisationsformen in Musik und Gesellschaft : betrachtet und analysiert über die Bassfunktion. B.M. Thesis, Universität Mozarteum, Salzburg, 2004. Record Link
  • Welty, Charlie Ruth. Trans-actions: The Double Bass As Conduit and Conspirator. D.M.A. Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2024. Download Page

Voice and Double Bass

  • Galia, Jan. Kontrabas a Hlas – Možnosti Souhry Kontrabasu a Sólového Zpěvu. B.M. Thesis, Janáčkova Akademie Múzických Umění, Brno, 2021. Download Page

[ The Upright Bass and Voice – Interplay Possibilities (in Jazz) ]

–

–

Page Development

–

General Databases

Subject: Double Bass | Category: Thesis/Dissertation | 206 citations as of December 22, 2013

Search Term: Double bass | 220 citations as of December 24, 2012

Search Term: Bass | 144 citations as of April 22, 2014
Search Term: Double bass | 138 citations as of April 22, 2014

Note:  The AMS search engine displays every instance of the word “bass”, or “double” and “bass”, thus very few items are actually double bass related dissertations.

Search Term: Double bass | 215 citations as of January 6, 2016

–

National Databases

Australia

Subject: Double Bass | Category: Thesis | 46 citations as of November 20, 2015

–
Austria

Search Term: Kontrabass / Hochschulschriften | 125 citations as of May 6, 2020
Search Term: Violone / Hochschulschriften | 11 citations as of May 6, 2020

Note: The search queries will retrieve all theses and also all entries within non related theses where the search term is mentioned in the body of the text. Thus not all of the located entries will be strictly about Kontrabass or Violone.

Serach String: Schlagwort: Kontrabass / Systematik: KMMZ | 26 entries as of  May 10, 2020

Note: the theses from MUK Stadt Wien are not listed in the OBVSG. Also, please note that not all of the theses that come from this search belong strictly to double bass field, as some of them cover the other non-bass topics which MUK allows for its bass majors in order to satisfy the thesis requirement.

–
Brazil

Search  Term / Assunto (Subject): “Contrabaixo” / under Dissertação: 7 M.M. Theses as of March 3, 2020

–
Croatia

Search Term: Kontrabas | 13 M.M. Theses as of February 17, 2019

–
Czech Republic

Search Term: Kontrabas | 516 Theses as of October 12, 2024

Term “Kontrabass” – Search Link

Search Term: Kontrabas | 42 Theses as of October 12, 2024

Subject “Kontrabas” – Search Link

–

Search Term: Kontrabas | 710 Theses as of October 11, 2024

Note: This search registers all the instances of the word “kontrabas,” whether in the body of the text or in the title. Thus not all of the featured items belong to the subject of double bass. This database cites also all the double bass degree recital programs.

–

Search Term: Kontrabas | 6 Theses as of October 6, 2024

Note: This search registers all the instances of the word “kontrabas,” whether in the body of the text or in the title. Thus not all of the featured items belong to the subject of double bass. This database cites also all the double bass degree recital programs.

–

Search Term: Kontrabas |  915 entries registered as of October 6, 2024

Note: This search registers all the instances of the word “kontrabas,” whether in the body of the text or in the title. Thus not all of the featured items belong to the subject of double bass.

–
France

Search Term: Contrebasse |  3 entries registered as of October 22, 2024

–
Germany

Search Term: Kontrabass | Category: Dissertation | 17 citations as of January 13, 2016

–
Hungary

Search Term “Nagybőgő” | 6 Doctoral Dissertations as of February 12, 2016

–
Norway

Search Term: Kontrabass | 4 M.M. Theses as of January 29, 2016

–
Serbia

Search Term: Kontrabas | 1 Doctoral Dissertation as of March 5, 2019

–
Slovenia

Search Term: Kontrabas | 9 M.M. and 1 B.M. Theses as of October 16, 2024

–

–

Page Development Assistance

ABP is grateful on any information that may widen the scope of this listing. Should you know of any other Thesis or a Dissertation that may fit the criteria of this bibliography, please contact ABP and your effort will be credited here.
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Created by Igor Pecevski

–

–

Last Update: August 7, 2025

Posted: December 29, 2013