The classical music world mourns the loss of Gary Karr, the revolutionary double bass virtuoso who passed away on September 29th at his home in Vancouver, aged 83. Karr single-handedly transformed the double bass from an orchestral background instrument into a celebrated solo voice, captivating audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent.
The Instrument That Chose Him
Born in Los Angeles to a family of double bassists, Karr often joked that the instrument chose him rather than the other way around. Both his father and adoptive father were professional bassists, creating an environment where the deep tones of the double bass formed the soundtrack to his childhood.
A Meteoric Rise to Fame
Karr's career reached its first major milestone in 1962 when he made his spectacular New York debut with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic. The performance earned him a standing ovation and launched him into international stardom. Bernstein himself declared Karr had "the greatest sound of any bassist I've ever heard."
Revolutionising Bass Technique
What set Karr apart was his revolutionary approach to the instrument:
- He developed a unique bowing technique that produced unprecedented warmth and clarity
- He commissioned over 80 new works for double bass, dramatically expanding its solo repertoire
- He demonstrated the instrument's capacity for lyrical, singing tones previously thought impossible
The Amati 'King' Bass
For much of his career, Karr played on an extraordinary instrument - the 1611 Amati double bass known as the 'King'. Previously owned by the legendary Serge Koussevitzky, this priceless instrument was loaned to Karr for life, becoming an extension of his musical voice.
Legacy of Teaching and Inspiration
Beyond his performing career, Karr was a dedicated educator who established the first accredited double bass summer school and taught at numerous prestigious institutions including the Hartt School of Music. His protégés now occupy principal chairs in major orchestras worldwide, ensuring his techniques and passion continue to influence new generations.
A Life Beyond Music
Karr's interests extended far beyond the concert hall. He was an accomplished gardener, passionate cook, and devoted partner to his husband, Hammond organist Harmon Lewis. The couple's musical partnership saw them perform together for decades, creating a unique dialogue between their contrasting instruments.
Gary Karr's legacy is not merely in the notes he played, but in the barriers he broke. He proved that the double bass could stand alone in the spotlight, moving audiences with its profound, resonant voice. The music world has lost one of its most distinctive and pioneering spirits.
