Unique sounds on the double bass in Voyage that Never Ends

The word 'solo' is already in the name of music venue Pakhûs SOLO. Converted into an intimate concert hall, the warehouse on the Stienser Smelbrêge organises concerts at regular intervals in which an instrumentalist presents a surprising solo programme. On Friday evening 17 February, it is the turn of double bassist Dario Calderone during the programme Voyage that Never Ends. That Calderone will take his listeners on a never-ending journey this evening is unique for several reasons. Not least because Calderone is the only bassist who can perform the work.

The work Voyage that Never Ends was written in 1998 by composer Stefano Scodanibbio (1956-2012). A contemporary of composers such as Giacinto Scelsi and renowned American composer Terry Riley, Scodanibbio was himself a master bassist and responsible for a new soloistic approach to the instrument. In his pieces, he integrated a wide spectrum of 'extended techniques': alternative playing methods borrowed from other instruments.

Voyage that Never Ends is widely regarded as the most interesting piece ever written for double bass. Because this piece was never published, it could also never be performed by other bassists. Until Scodanibbio single-handedly passed it on to Dario Calderone. Calderone learned the piece from Scodanibbio a few years before his death.

The work, considered part of the minimalist genre, lasts 45 minutes and consists of four sections. The journey started - interrupted - continued - and resumed. Scodanibbio has the strings of the double bass tuned further down, creating different overtones that interact. This creates a powerful suggestion of sound fields. Terry Riley described this richness of sound as "a complete orchestra".

In addition, following in the footsteps of his master Scodanibbio, Calderone plays his own work Caleidoscopio. Calderone is fascinated by the art of modulation. By focusing on common notes, transitions usually become natural, seamless and subtle. In Caleidoscopio, Calderone applies this fact to parameters other than harmony. Thus, timbre and rhythm become equally important. The focus is no longer on the arrival after the transition, but on the journey itself. Thus, both compositions shape the programme into one.

Dario Calderone was born in Rome and has lived and worked in Amsterdam since 2008. He is internationally acclaimed as an outstanding and progressive performer. He played with the Nieuw Ensemble for over 10 years and is currently a regular bassist with the Nieuw Amsterdams Peil (NAP), Trio Feedback and ensemble MAZE. Calderone is a key player in the development of new solo repertoire for the double bass.
The programme lasts 60 minutes and has no intermission. There will be coffee/tea beforehand and a drink afterwards. For more information and tickets, visit: www.pakhussolo.nl.