Bottesini - Edgar Meyer

Bottesini - Thomas Martin

Bottesini - Joel Quarrington

Bottesini - Boguslaw Furtok

Giovanni Bottesini (1821-89) - the famous double bass player purchased the Testore Double Bass (illustrated) in Milan after discovering it lying neglected in a marionette theatre. It was to be his constant companion throughout the rest of his life. (notes on the maker and instrument - see below)

• During Bottesini's lifetime the instrument remained a three-string bass as was the custom particularly in Italy. Bottesini tuned his bass a tone higher for solo work.  Bottesini with his Testore Double Bass

• But during the 2nd half of the 19th century composers were increasingly writing down to a low E, hence Verdi's instruction to us in Act 4 of "Otello": soli for "the basses with four strings."

• As a soloist he was much in demand travelling widely and was often referred to as "The Paganini of the Bass." (see this cartoon)

• Covent Garden Promenade Concerts Giovanni Bottesini himself acted as arranger of operatic selections, double-bass soloist as well as conductor in 1867.

• As a composer there are numerous works for double bass, including the famous concertos. Bottesini also produced 10 operas.

• As a conductor, Bottesini was invited by his friend Verdi to conduct the first performance of "Aida." This was in 1871 whilst Bottesini held a conducting post at the Cairo Opera House.

• A lithograph of Bottesini at the Musical Union c.1851

Carlo Antonio Testore (1693-1765) was a prolific maker and is reputed to have made this instrument in Milan
in 1716 - aged 23. However in some reference books it is his father, Carlo Giuseppe (c. 1660-1716) who is
credited with making the instrument. The confusion is entirely due to the lack of labels in these fine old instruments.

The f-holes are unique to Testore's work. The table is pine, and the flat back and ribs of pearwood which was popular
with makers in Northern Italy. The design is beautifully compact. Often his instruments have a scratched double line
in place of the more normal inlaid purfling. Another Bass by Carlo Antonio Testore.