FROM VIOLIN TO DOUBLE BASS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31159, 8 September 1966, Page 2

FROM VIOLIN TO DOUBLE BASS

As a child, Mrs Taha Mense hated being banished to the bathroom for her violin practice. When, at the age of 12, she was inspired by brilliant playing of a double bass, she took up this instrument wholeheartedly. Now she has earned a permanent place with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

Finding a quiet room in which to practice was quite a feat in Mrs Mense’s family home. Her brother occupied one room with his ’cello, and her sisters had the monopoly of any spare space for their piano and double bass exercises. “But it wasn’t just that I disliked having to practise in the bathroom. 1 must admit that I was just too lazy and didn’t want the long hours of practice," said Mrs Mense.

“When my sister went overseas she left her double bass behind, and a very good Dutch player came to our home and used her instrument. He became my first teacher." From then on Mrs Mense moved out of the bathroom to quarters more suitable for the big double bass. Her talents were also more suited to the new instrument and she was one of the foundation members of Israel’s youth orchestra, Gadna. Her teen-age years with the orchestra—performing during the school holidays—were an excellent grounding for her future professional career. Equally valuable were her two years' compulsory army service. “I played the French horn in the band—you can’t march well with a double bass. I think the service is a very good thing, particularly for those who are taught professions and trades. “It is good discipline and developes a sense of responsibility. Some young people —the spoilt ones—grumble at first but most enjoy their time in the army,” she said. On her release from army service, a scholarship from the Juilliard School of Music in New York took her away from her homeland for three years’ study. “It was good experience, but life there was hard and verv commercial. I was lucky, though, for T got work

in orchestras. About 100 players move round the many orchestras and it is very hard to get on the list,” she explained. Enjoys Travelling Although she enjoys travelI ling, Mrs Mense feels she “beI longs” in Israel. Her mother was born in Poland and her father in Vienna, but they have lived in Israel for 47| years. i “Some of our family suffered a great deal in the war. Most younger people sympathise with them, but we cannot truly understand. There lis a special spirit in Israel; [we are very proud of our i country,” she said thoughtj fully. ‘ Life with the orchestra leaves Mrs Mense little time for other interests, and little time to miss them. With concerts five nights a week, and mornings occupied with rehearsals, she is glad of time to relax and for an occasional visit to the theatre. She and her brother, Jacob, who is a 'cellist with the orchestra, are very close. “We have apartments in the same building but he has his crowd and I have my life,” she said. “But if I need him he is always there.” She has a modest pride irt her talented family, for her musical mother and her brother encouraged an artistic tradition in the four girls. Her sister. Ruth, often plays with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and her “baby” sister is studying painting in Paris. “I enjoy my life, and this tour has been wonderful—| good musicians, good conduc-l tors and good programmes,” I she said. I