Why gut strings? What are frets for? What are these unusual bows? Why do these instruments still have a place in today’s music world?

I warmly welcome all double bass students and colleagues who are open to and interested in the bass instruments used in the Baroque and Classical eras. Participants will be able to get acquainted with these historical instruments, historical bows, and the playing techniques used on them.

We will get acquainted with the Baroque double bass, the Viennese-tuned violone and the G violone instruments. With the help of these instruments, we will gain insight into the Baroque and classical repertoire, as well as the basics of continuo playing. Participants will also have the opportunity to play chamber music with the other instrumental and vocal participants of the course.

We provide instruments and bows.

Schedule of String continuo masterclass:

• 28 June – 5 July 2025, between 10⁰⁰ and 17³⁰

Registration on site:

27 June 2025, between 10⁰⁰ and 18⁰⁰

Attachments to be submitted for active participation:

• CV
• An unedited 5–10 minutes long HD-quality video (recorded even with a smartphone) on which the applicant is continuously performing a piece of choice. The video must be no more than 1 year old and the applicant must be shown in full-figure if possible.

Fee for participants: 

• Participation Fee for active participants: €310
• Participation Fee for passive participants: €100
• Application Fee: €13
• Daily fee (for passive participants only): €20

ℹ️ The Application Fee applies to all participants (active & passive) and to be paid in addition to the Participation Fee. Applicants shall not be entitled for a refund in case of withdrawal or rejection of the application.

Haydneum Scholarship:

The Haydneum – Hungarian Early Music Centre is dedicated to fostering early music talent. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity for participants of the 41st Early Music Days. The scholarship possibly covers the full amount of the active participation fee and may only be used for this purpose. Interested applicants can submit their applications by completing the relevant section of the registration form. All applications will be reviewed by the Haydneum Music Committee, and applicants will be notified of the outcome by May 31, 2025. For more information about the Haydneum Scholarship application, please refer to the registration form.

Registration for the masterclass is valid upon payment of the Application Fee, which must be transferred to the following bank account at the same time as the application:

10004885-10002010-00223335
IBAN: HU69100048851000201000223335
BIC: HUSTHUHB
Beneficiary: Filharmónia Magyarország Nonprofit Kft.
Please also include: RZN; applicant’s name and date of birth

The payment of the participation fee should only be made after receiving confirmation of registration, and in the case of applying for the Haydneum Scholarship, after being notified of the outcome of the application. The payment must be transferred until the 20th of June 2025, in the same manner as the registration fee payment.

Application deadline:

12 May 2025, Monday midnight

Number of active participants: 5–10 persons/masterclass
A minimum of 5 active participants is required to start the course.
The number of passive participants is not limited.

Active participants can attend all programmes & concerts of the festival by showing their nametag at the entrance.