The Bottom Line

About the Book

Robert Meyer has spent a lifetime playing with famous orchestras, conductors and soloists throughout the world. In “The Bottom Line”, he gives a vivid and insightful look into a musician's everyday life that readers may well find astonishing. He discusses the highlights of his career: he was commanded by Queen Elizabeth II to play at her Coronation, was Benjamin Britten's solo bassist and librarian, played with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, London Symphony, BBC Symphony, Sadlers Wells Opera, San Carlo Opera, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony and many more. He played at Carnegie Hall and the United Nations, and was invited to tour the White House, the Gulistan Palace, Iran, by the Shah of Persia, and The Vatican. He recounts a wealth of anecdotes and gives sketches of many of the great orchestras, conductors and soloists of his day, some droll, some sad. He was there! For musicians, musical historians and anyone interested in music and life generally this is a must read.

About the Author

Robert Meyer, born in 1920, has devoted his life to playing the double bass in many famous orchestras and ensembles all over the world with great conductors, composers and soloists. His accomplishments as a double bass player and concert artist could fill several pages; as Benjamin Britten was quoted as saying: “He has proved himself to be a considerable musician and a fine player”. His career, however, extends beyond his notable achievements as a performer and includes distinctions as both an artist and an educator. Meyer graduated from the Royal College of Music, London as a double bass soloist. He lived through the Great Depression and was at the battlefront in WW II. Robert Meyer has played at every major festival and concert hall in the world, and has an extensive discography. He still performs and gives lectures, and has just released a CD, “Discovering the Double Bass.” Any free time he has is devoted to painting Chinese watercolours, playing the harpsichord and gourmet cooking. He now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.