The Double Bass
The Double Bass
Book Brief
64
Play • Fiction
1981
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
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
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Double Bass?
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.
The Double Bass is a one-act monologue play written by Patrick Süskind, a German author known for his bestseller Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.
The play originally premiered in 1981 at the Cuvilliés Theatre in Munich and has since been performed in various languages and countries, highlighting its international appeal.
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Patrick Süskind explores the inner life and thoughts of a musician, showcasing his ability to delve into psychological introspection and human emotions, a recurring theme in his works.
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64
Play • Fiction
1981
Adult
18+ years
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