The role, the performance techniques and notation methods of the electric bass guitar in contemporary classical music

The invention of the electric bass guitar effectively brought along solutions to many problems experienced by double bass players. Since its origins in the USA in the 1950s it has, in terms of manufacturing, spread worldwide and has since been adapted as an instrument by the vanguard of the popular musical styles of our times. Its original performance techniques, timbral multifariousness and its ability to produce sounds at nearly any desired dynamic level have since evolved to a point that satisfies the needs of performers their members of the ensembles which they play with. The instrument, which may roughly be defined as a synthesis of the guitar and which is the lowest pitched instrument of the violin family - the double bass - can today be used besides an accompaniment also as a solo instrument. The present thesis analyzes and discusses the physical properties of the instrument, its development throughout history, innovations concerning its notation, and its areas of application with a strong focus on contemporary classical music especially reflecting on the questions and matters concerning its contributions and benefits, on the basis of exemplary compositions from the 1970s to the present.