Thomas Martin is an American double bass player, known for his masterly technique of the game. His whole life is connected with music. Martin not only plays the double bass, but also is engaged in the restoration and manufacture of stringed instruments under his own label.
Biography: early years
Thomas Martin was born on July 22, 1940 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He became interested in music in early childhood. He was especially fascinated by string instruments.
At 13, parents bought Thomas double bass. His first teacher was Harold Roberts. In a short time Thomas masterfully mastered the instrument. However, this did not stop there. Martin continued to improve the technique of the game.
After school and on weekends, he spent a lot of time in a music store where his parents bought him double bass. Young Thomas was interested in everything: from the history of the creation of double bass to materials for its manufacture. He eagerly absorbed any information. Then Thomas did not yet know that this tool would be the work of his life.
After school, he moved to New York. There, Martin continued to improve the technique of the game under the leadership of Oscar Zimmermann, who had a wealth of experience in speaking and teaching. He later learned the basics of mastery from Roger Scott in Philadelphia. He helped him expand the timbre.
Soon, his manner of performance was noticeably distinguished by virtuoso skill, emotionality, vivid artistry and elegant playing the instrument. The attention of the audience during the concert was involuntarily riveted to Thomas. His performance delighted not only hearing but also eyes.
Career
By the beginning of the 70s, Thomas Martin began to perform as a solo and chamber performer. He played in many venues in the States, and also toured a lot in neighboring countries. Canada was the leader in the number of concerts in those years. Martin also lingered there in a leadership position in the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
Soon, Thomas began touring Europe. So, he often performed in Israel, England. In London, Thomas worked in the city chamber orchestra as a double-bass soloist.
During tours around the world, he not only gave concerts, but also held master classes on playing the double bass. In his classes there was always a full house. So, he repeatedly held open classes at the St. Petersburg House of Music. Thomas also took an active part in international rallies of double bass players.
In the 80s, the musician became interested in the work of the famous Italian double bass player and conductor Giovanni Bottezini. Thomas shoveled more than one hundred books about him. Soon the hobby grew into obsession. He was interested not only in his music, but also in Bottesini's personal life. Soon, Martin became famous as a connoisseur of Italian virtuoso.
Thomas played almost everything, including previously unknown compositions of Bottesini. The result of his many years of research was the recording of records with Italian works and the publication of a large number of articles about his life and work.
Thomas masterfully performed the music of his idol. Listeners especially liked the "Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra No. 1 in F Sharp Minor" and fantasies on the theme of the opera "Puritans". His records with Bottesini music have been recognized by many critics. Enthusiastic reviews of his work were published by music publications with a significant reputation.
In 1990, Thomas again left for England, where he became the head of a group of double bass players in the London Symphony Orchestra. He worked there for 10 years. Also in London, Thomas taught classes at the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Conservatory. Many of his students subsequently took leading positions in the world among double bass players, performing in eminent orchestras.
Thomas also tried himself as a jury member at many music competitions. Among them is the double bass festival "In Memory of S. A. Kusevitsky" in Russia.
On account of Martin the creation of a number of television and radio broadcasts. In the bottom, he played various games, from the Baroque to the 20th century.
In 2018, Thomas released the first book on the history of English double bass. He worked on it with his colleague and close friend Martin Lawrence. The debut was successful: a limited edition was immediately sold out. In 2020, the musician plans to release a second book, which will be devoted to the history of Italian double bass.
Family business
Thomas Martin has always played only quality double basses. He considered expensive tools not a whim, but a good investment in creativity. So, in his arsenal was the double bass of Carlo Bergonzi himself, a famous Italian master of the 18th century. Critics called Thomas a virtuoso, able to turn his instrument into a singer. However, there is no limit to perfection, and Thomas decided to personally study the intricacies of the production of double basses.
In the late 80s, he became interested in the manufacture and restoration of stringed musical instruments. Andrew Dipper, a famous Stradivarius violin specialist, became his teacher in this matter. Thomas produced about 200 double basses, violas and cellos under his own name. At first it was a hobby, and then it became a business. In 2008, he and his son founded a family workshop in England.
