The Double Bass
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1981
64
Play • Fiction
1981
Adult
18+ years
The Double Bass, a one-act monologue by Patrick Süskind, premiered in 1981 and follows an unnamed orchestral double bass player in his mid-thirties who feels trapped in a stifling relationship with his instrument. As he grows progressively drunker, he explores his life, career, and unreciprocated feelings for a mezzo-soprano named Sarah.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Humorous
Melancholic
Patrick Süskind's The Double Bass is celebrated for its profound meditation on loneliness and artistic passion. The monologue format offers an intense, introspective experience, though some may find it excessively introspective or lacking in action. The book's exploration of the relationship between a musician and his instrument is poignantly rendered, captivating readers who appreciate deep character studies.
Readers who appreciate monologues and character-driven stories will enjoy Patrick Süskind's The Double Bass. Comparable to Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape, this novella is suited for those interested in existential themes, the nuances of performance art, and the intimate struggles of musicians.
64
Play • Fiction
1981
Adult
18+ years
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