I’ve been a huge fan of Hal Robinson’s books, “Boardwalkin” and “Strokin,” for decades. I use them in my own practicing and teaching. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking them out as well. You can get the physical copies of the Quad and Hal’s other books in both print and digital form.
The Quad is the culmination of years of work, and with Brent’s help, Hal has managed to clean it up and make it even better. The markings are clear, and the measure numbers are included, which makes it easier to navigate. The attention to detail is incredible. This edition contains all the ideas and insights that Hal has accumulated throughout the years.
The Quad starts with a glossary of symbols, which is great for avoiding confusion as you dive into the repertoire.
So, why is it called the Quad? Hal explains this in the preface.
The Quad takes the most commonly asked orchestral repertoire and divides it into four chunks. Each semester, you work through one chunk, ensuring that you cover the entire list in two years. In the first two years, the focus is on introducing the repertoire, while in the junior and senior years, you dive into more detail.
How The Quad is Organized
Let’s take a closer look at each Quad and how they are divided:
Quad 1 includes pieces like Mahler 1, Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé, Mozart 35, Strauss Don Juan, and more.
Quad 2 features Britten’s Young Person’s Guide, Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2, Brahms Symphony No. 2, and others.
Quad 3 includes Strauss Ein Heldenleben, Beethoven 5, Mendelssohn, Stravinsky Pulchinella Duetto, and more.
Quad 4 consists of Mozart 40, Brahms Symphony No. 1, Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Berlioz Symphony Fantastique, and others.
Each Quad is beautifully laid out, with detailed information provided by Hal. He shares insights into each excerpt, provides historical context, and offers practical advice on how to approach them. The fingerings are clear and clean, making the parts easy to read.
Whether you’re a college bass teacher or a student, the Quad is an invaluable resource. It provides a structured approach to learning and mastering the double bass repertoire. The combination of Hal Robinson’s expertise and Brent Edmondson’s engraving skills results in an outstanding edition.
I can’t emphasize enough how much I recommend the Quad. As someone who has used “Boardwalkin” and “Strokin” extensively, this new edition is a welcome addition to my library. Bravo to Hal and Brent for putting together this fantastic resource.
Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more exciting content!
