Watch: Valse triste just got six degrees sadder
mainCharles de Ramus of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra has arranged Sibelius’s trademark encore for six double-basses (and three obligatory handkerchiefs).
You see it here first. Prepare to shed them now….
Sibelius conducted the Gothenburg Symphony in the Valse triste on 6th February 1911.
The orch will perform all seven symphonies on December 2-4 with principal guest conductor Kent Nagano.
A matter of taste, but I find Justyna Grudzynska’s arrangement and performance for solo double bass with piano accompaniment vastly more moving. She’s a remarkable performer who can give the bass the singing qualities of a cello. I must hope that video is still on YT, from which so many clips are disappearing at an increasing rate of knots. Her playing in general is worthy of exploration and serious attention.
I believe this is the clip you are referring to, Mr. Amos (and I agree with your assessment of Mrs. Grudzińska’s playing).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ifNF7_MYg
Fantastic performance! How did you do it? Is it really “live” times six?