String orchestra - Double bass 2/4 - Philipp Dangas

General information about the double bass unison combinations

The sound of the double bass does not come into its own in the following unison combination. Namely when combining the double bass with the cello. As a result, the roughness or harshness of the sound of the double bass does not come into its own. The result is a homogeneous, massive overall sound with the characteristics of the cello.

In pianissimo = "very quiet" [pp] this combined sound has a high recognition value. Important: The tonal difference in the leading of the voices (cello-double bass) in the octave on the one hand and in unison on the other hand must be taken into account.

Of the wind instruments, the contrabassoon and bass tuba come into consideration for a unison combination with the double bass. The combination with the contrabassoon emphasizes the sound of the double bass. Also in depth. The combination with the heavily tapered bass tuba clearly amplifies the sound of the double bass.

The sound is amplified by the unison combination of the double bass and the trombone.

The double bass as part of the „symphonic world music“

The merging of the sound of the double bass with the sound of other orchestral instruments can be useful. If sound power and sound volume should be increased. The combination with other instruments should be avoided. Especially when the harsh sound of the double bass should come into its own.