double bass
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double bass
The largest and lowest string instrument in an orchestra, played while standing or sitting on a high stool.
Der Klang des Kontrabasses bildet das rhythmische und harmonische Fundament der Jazzband.
The sound of the double bass forms the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of the jazz band.
double bassist
A term for the person who plays the double bass; the male or female double bassist.
Der Kontrabass war krank, deshalb musste das Konzert ohne Bass stattfinden.
The double bassist was sick, so the concert had to take place without bass.
The word consists of 'Kontra-' and 'Bass' (bass). In music, the prefix 'Kontra-' means 'one octave lower'. The double bass is therefore the instrument that produces even lower notes than a normal bass.
Im Orchester bilden Cello und Kontrabass die Gruppe der tiefen Streicher.
In the orchestra, cello and double bass form the group of low strings.
You can tell whether the instrument or the person is meant by the verb. Actions like 'üben' (to practice), 'spielen' (to play), or states like 'ist krank' (is sick) refer to the person. Actions like 'stimmen' (to tune), 'transportieren' (to transport), or 'bauen' (to build) refer to the instrument.
Der Kontrabass muss für das Konzert neu gestimmt werden.
The double bass has to be retuned for the concert.
The double bass is played differently depending on the style of music. Typical verbs are 'streichen' (to bow, in classical music) and 'zupfen' (to pluck, often in jazz).
In dieser Jazz-Ballade wird der Kontrabass nur gezupft.
In this jazz ballad, the double bass is only plucked.
bass
Bass is a general term for instruments with very low notes and can refer, for example, to an electric bass or a double bass. Kontrabass, by contrast, specifically refers to the largest and lowest string instrument. In a rock band, bass is often sufficient; for the low string instrument in an orchestra, Kontrabass is unambiguous.
Im Orchester spielt Mara Kontrabass.
Mara plays double bass in the orchestra.
In der Rockband spielt Mara Bass.
Mara plays bass in the rock band.
