UC San Diego

This thesis will delve into the possibilities available to the solo double bassist that transform a mere musical performance into one that embodies aspects of composite theatre, a form of performance coined by Meredith Monk. Along with Monk’s ideas,

vi

François Rabbath’s La Nouvelle Technique de la Contrebasse shows a pedagogy that facilitates a way of playing for the contemporary bassist. Various pieces will be looked at that integrate characteristics of theatre and/or dance, so to create a new and more complete experience for the audience and performer. Lastly, the thesis will look at ZAB: ou la passion selon St. Nectaire, composed by Philippe Boivin, and how one might approach the theatrical work for solo double bass, using the ideas and motives explored in the first half of the paper.