L’Orchestre de Contrebasses

L'Orchestre de Contrebasses — the pioneering French bass ensemble — discusses how they compose, arrange, and perform for multiple double basses in this workshop-style masterclass, recorded as a question-and-answer session with the group. What's covered How a heavy metal-inspired piece for string basses came together: concept first, then adapting the rhythmic drive of the style to bowed string instruments Arranging for six basses in a classical section style — lead, section, and rhythm voices, like first and second violins in a string orchestra Doubling parts versus single-voice writing: when grouping two basses on a line projects better and makes the music clearer Putting melody and comping in the same register using different sounds and modes of playing so the parts don't interfere Bow technique and how written bowings shape both the sound and the visual spectacle of the show The group's history — how the ensemble formed and why nine players rotate through the band A window into bass ensemble performance and arranging from a group with decades of touring experience, useful for bassists interested in writing for bass sections or playing beyond traditional jazz and classical boundaries.