Giovanni Bottesini (1821–1889) is a name most double bassists speak with a mix of awe and exasperation. But while most biographies repeat the same points (Venetian conservatory prodigy, opera conductor, globe-trotting soloist), Bottesini’s life holds stranger and lesser-known corners worth exploring. 1. He Almost Didn’t Play the Bass Bottesini only auditioned on the double bass

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