Edwin Barker Interview

This is the transcript to my interview with bassist Edwin Barker, and the podcast and video versions are linked here. Edwin Barker is recognized as one of the most gifted bassists on the American concert scene. In this wide-ranging interview, you’ll hear about how when he was still a student, he won a job with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and then at age 22, he was appointed to the position of Principal Bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a position he has now  held for nearly 50 years. He shared memories of his mentors, and his valuable perspectives on learning and teaching the bass, playing in orchestra, conductors, auditions, acoustics and more. We’re featuring his wonderful recent album of solo bass music,  Basso Profundo,  both Bach’s Suite no. 5 and Weinberg’s Sonata Op. 108.