Kontrabach

KONTRABACH

Music by JSBach, arranged for contrabass clarinet and double bass

Marc Lardon (contrabass clarinet) and Daniel Sailer (contrabass)

«Kontrabach is deep, Kontrabach is dark, but Kontrabach is still an experience for everyone, an expansion of horizons.»

The special feature of the Kontrabach project is the very idiosyncratic and daring instrumentation, namely contrabass clarinet and double bass. In this form, Bach's music sounds completely unusual and new, on the one hand due to the very low pitch, and on the other hand due to the idiosyncratic character of the instruments used, especially the contrabass clarinet. In addition, the two musicians also maintain a certain oppositional attitude to the rampant dogmatism in terms of historically correct performance practice. This motivates them to experiment and always dare to try new adventures.

In their arrangements, the duo presents JS Bach's music from a very unique, new perspective. Marc Lardon and Daniel Sailer manage to bridge the gap between baroque and contemporary with their interpretations. The music sounds two to three octaves lower than usual, some chords are more reminiscent of clusters, but the music remains harmonious and understandable at all times and at the same time impresses with a new quality and individuality.

Since 2017 they have been playing their concerts in various churches and cultural centers, mainly in the canton of Graubünden.

program

1. “Adagio” 2nd movement from the Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052

2. “Duetto No.1” in E minor, BWV 802

3. “Canone alla Decima in Contrapunto alla Terza”, BWV 1080

4. “Prelude No. 20” in A minor from the Well-Tempered Clavier BWV 889

5. “Adagissimo” from the Capriccio in B minor, BWV 992

6. “Fuga C minor” (unfinished), BWV 906

7. “Canone per Augmentationem in Contrario Motu”, BWV 1080