Warren Benfield
Warren A. Benfield | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 12, 1913 ,U.S. |
| Died | July 8, 2001(aged 88) |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Double-bassist |
| Instrument(s) | Double-bass |
Warren A. Benfield(February 12, 1913 – July 8, 2001) was a classicaldouble bassplayer. He enjoyed a long career in the bass section of theChicago Symphony Orchestraand was professor atNorthwestern University.
Studies and orchestral career[edit]
Warren Benfield was a student ofAnton Torelloat theCurtis Institutein Philadelphia.
Benfield joined the bass section of theMinneapolis Symphony,becoming its youngest member in 1934. He also played as principal bass in theSaint Louis Symphony Orchestrabefore joining thePhiladelphia Orchestrain 1942. He played for a short while as co-principal, sharing the position with fellow Torello pupil Roger Scott,[1]before being appointed principal bass of theChicago Symphony OrchestrabyRafael Kubelikin 1949. Kubelik's presence in Chicago was not a long one, and Benfield was eventually fired, forcing him to audition for the orchestra. He continued to play in the Chicago Symphony until his retirement in 1987.[2]
Teaching[edit]
Warren Benfield taught for many years atNorthwestern Universityin Evanston, IL. He built a reputation there as one of the leading double bass teachers of his time. Some prominent bassists who studied with Warren includeHarold Robinson,Rufus ReidandJeff Bradetich.He also taught atDePaul Universityin Chicago.
Warren Benfield wrote, with the help of James Seay Dean jr.,The Art of Double Bass Playing- a text which outlines many important qualities required of the double bassist in ensemble and solo playing as well as showing, if not expertise, appreciation for players in Jazz and contemporary classical fields. While not a bass method,The Art of the Double Bassincludes numerous passages from orchestral and solo repertoire; it refers to these passages as they relate to the topics discussed.[2]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
- The Art of Double Bass Playing
- Bill Bentgen's Website
- list of Philadelphia Orchestra bass section members.
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