Gary Karr — Dragonetti: Concerto in A Major
Gary Karr’s recording of Dragonetti’s Concerto in A Major is one of the clearest arguments ever made for the double bass as a true solo instrument.
Dragonetti, writing in the late 18th century, pushed the instrument beyond accompaniment. But it’s Karr who fully realizes that vision. His control of tone, articulation, and phrasing removes any sense of limitation. The bass doesn’t feel large or heavy here — it feels vocal, agile, and expressive.
The concerto moves between elegance, lyricism, and classical clarity. There’s no excess. No Romantic exaggeration. Just precision, balance, and sound.
This recording is a masterclass in control — left hand economy, bow clarity, and tonal consistency across registers.
🎧 Listen to the full concerto below.