197: Bert Turetzky on forging new paths, compositional language, and commissioning over 300 works - a podcast by Jason Heath

Today’s episode features an interview with the great Bert Turetzky. With nearly 60 years spent championing new works for the contrabass, Bert truly is the father of modern bass playing.  Bert has recently released a memoir titled A Different View which chronicles his life spent in music.  It delves into his early years growing up in Connecticut, his dreams of becoming a jazz player, his orchestral experiences, teaching at the Hartt School and the University of California San Diego, and it covers in great detail his work as an advocate for the contrabass.

 

We also feature clips from a University of California Television broadcast from 2008 titled Bertram Turetzky and Friends: Music for Contrabass.  This program featured solo and chamber works, including four premieres and several pieces that have made Bert famous. The entire program is available on YouTube.  Be sure to check out the YouTube video for Bert’s wonderful descriptions of these works.

• Seven Miscellaneous by Donald Erb
• Onde (World Premiere) by Salvatore Macchia
• Inside by Kenneth Gaburo
• Contrabajissimo (World Premiere) by Astor Piazzolla