Our double bass player’s perspective: Matthew McDonald’s favourites

The double bass section of the Berliner Philharmoniker is known for its force, precision and power. As principal double bass, Australian-born Matthew McDonald has been jointly responsible for the orchestra’s tonal foundation since 2009. His playlist includes performances with Sir Simon Rattle – works from the Baroque to the 20th century – and a concert under the direction of Claudio Abbado. Their successor as chief conductor of the Philharmoniker, Kirill Petrenko, conducted an unforgettable performance of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony in an otherwise empty Philharmonie as part of the 2020 European Concert.