Spiccato II: a journey through time on the double bass
When we talk about spiccato double bass, we usually start by focusing on control, precision, and physical awareness. Every time we learn a new bow stroke, we move through two essential stages: first, we discover which parts of the body we need to execute the movement, and then we refine our listening, sensitivity, and musical intention. Both phases shape the way we play and the way we understand sound.
Why spiccato changes across musical styles
Once the basic mechanics feel natural, the real question appears: How do I want this stroke to sound? And the answer depends entirely on the musical style. Playing Mozart is not the same as playing Strauss. These composers lived a century apart, and their music reflects completely different cultural and historical worlds. Mozart’s writing carries elegance, clarity, and order. Strauss, shaped by the industrial and political changes of the nineteenth century, demands greater intensity, weight, and emotional depth.
The setting also matters. Spiccato in a chamber orchestra of twenty musicians is a different experience from spiccato in a Mahler symphony with a hundred players on stage, where our sound often needs to match the color and strength of the brass section.
From vertical to horizontal: understanding the evolution of spiccato
To understand spiccato double bass across time, it helps to imagine a movement that gradually becomes less vertical and more horizontal. Even though the bow hair stays in contact with the string, the weight, speed, and character of the stroke shift depending on the style.
My teacher, Félix Petit, explained this beautifully through a visual analogy. Mozart’s spiccato feels like drawing a “v”: light, defined, and with a clear attack. Beethoven’s has the shape of a “u”: deeper, with slightly longer contact. Strauss expands that “u” even further, creating a broader, richer stroke that matches the complexity and size of his musical language.
This analogy perfectly illustrates how the bow remains on the string, yet the intention behind the movement transforms completely depending on the music we’re playing.
In summary
Mastering spiccato double bass goes far beyond technique. It requires listening, imagination, and an understanding of the musical world behind each style. Thinking of spiccato as a journey through time changes the way we approach new pieces, helps us stand out in auditions, and brings more depth to our daily practice.
If these ideas inspire you, I’d love to guide you through them. You can book a lesson; your first one is free. Let’s study together and explore the details that truly make a difference.
Exercises to explore these three spiccato styles
In the following videos, you’ll find a short guide and a couple of exercises to help you identify and practice these differences. Exaggerate the contrasts at first. It’s one of the most effective ways to develop awareness and refine your sound.
