Early Start on the Double Bass encompasses everything that one would expect from a Sassmannshaus method: an easy start, progression at a suitable rate, many cross-references to the other string instruments, songs and scales in different positions from early on, as well as many duets. Lively and colourful illustrations by Charlotte Panowsky complete the edition.
The third volume builds a fluent left-hand technique for playing up to the sixth position. As always, each new position is first practiced by itself with well-known songs and exercises, then combined with familiar positions in new duets and pieces, extending the left-hand technique in a logical progression. Scales are now also played in minor keys. Varied bow strokes and patterns (legato, portato, staccato, marcato, martelé, martellato) are introduced. The third finger is used for the first time. The collection presents works by Eccles, Charpentier, Krieger, J. S. Bach, Boismortier, Handel, Telemann, Graupner, Hasse, Chedeville, Haydn, Mozart, Kummer, Schubert, Schumann, Diabelli, Ries, Saint-Saens, Schlemueller, Romberg, Baklanova, and Furtok. An inserted booklet offers piano accompaniments to 7 pieces.