CBC 139: The American String Project

This weeks Contrabass Conversations episode features a follow-up interview with bassist Barry Lieberman, double bass faculty at the University of Washington and artistic director of The American String Project, an ensemble that specializes in performing string chamber orchestra arrangements of quartet literature. Barry was previously interviewed on Contrabass Conversations in 2008, and on that occasion we discussed his early years on the instrument, his career in the Los Angeles Philharmonic and subsequent move to Seattle, and many other topics. We focus on recent developments with The American String Project in this episode, including their recent selection as Pick of the Month for all North American releases of classical music discs in the August issue of the BBC Music Magazine (more details on the String Project website). This fascinating and virtuosic ensemble also recently produced a documentary detailing what happens behind the scenes each year with the String Project, and it is a well-produced and highly engaging glimpse into the workings of some of the worlds finest leaders in the string world in a rare collaborative setting. You can see it now on the TASP website, and we will be releasing the entire video on the podcast next week as well. One of our most popular offerings on Contrabass Conversations since its inception has been Barrys interview with Gary Karr for his Barry Lieberman and Friends series at the University of Washington. Youre in for a real treat if you havent seen this in the pastcheck it out! Weve featured a great deal of String Project music on both the blog and the podcastso much in fact, that I decided to put together a PDF listing everything that weve used (in some fashion) here: American String Project music featured on doublebassblog.org.pdf Todays episode features an excerpt from the String Quartet Op. 18, No. 4 Mvt. 4 (Allegro) by Beethoven and the complete Allegro Non Troppo movement from the String Quartet #3 In F, Op. 73 by Shostakovich. You can also check out all the works that the String Project has performed on their page within doublebassblog.org. In addition to his musical pursuits, Barry has a passion for mid-20th century furniture, and weve included several photos below that show his furnishings from this period (click read more if you dont see the photos):