An interview with
Dobbs
Bassist & Master Storyteller
Join host Eugene Friesen to explore the extraordinary life and mission of solo double bassist Richard Hartshorne, known affectionately as "Dobbs." A master storyteller and devoted performer of Bach's cello suites, Dobbs has dedicated his life to bringing music to the most unlikely places around the world.
For decades, Dobbs has performed exclusively in locations where music is a rare gift: from prisons in the US and Uganda to refugee camps and UN schools in Palestine, from drug rehab centers in Afghanistan to centers for abused women and homes for blind children in Iraq.
His performances offer a profound sense of connection and remembrance to those in the most extreme circumstances, affirming the transformative power of music.
In this episode, Dobbs shares his pathway to finding these hidden yet meaningful performing opportunities. He reveals how his musical journeys have not only changed the lives of his audiences but have also reshaped his own understanding of impact and service through art.
Discover more about Dobbs and his global musical mission at BachwithVerse.org.
Dobbs began his traditional classical career with formal studies in Aarhus, Denmark, Oberlin Conservatory and the Juilliard School. Beginning in Bolivia as a member of the Peace Corp, Dobbs spent six years performing as principal bass in several orchestras in Latin America and was one of the designers of the free youth music program in Costa Rica. He performed with The National Orchestra of Bolivia and The National Orchestra of Costa Rica, and The American Symphony in New York City. He then spent 30 years with the Apple Hill Chamber Players, playing chamber music around the world and serving as Director of Summer Programs at their festival based in New Hampshire.
However, he always felt happiest when playing for audiences outside the box of ‘traditional’ classical music audiences (probably .001 percent of the population world wide). So he decided to break free and play for everyone else. Music is a need that we humans have and not only for happy, party, fun music but also for deep, serious, reflective music. Because of war or incarceration or other kinds of human tragedies, some groups need it more than others. He began focusing on places where he saw an extreme need, like prison populations and war-torn nations and so Bach With Verse was formed.
Dobbs learned to perform the Six Solo Cello Suites by J.S. Bach on the double bass in the original octave and original key and recorded them to critical acclaim (1997). He has also written 45 stories for Bass and Narrator (Dobbs) most of a comic nature. The combination proved to be a ready-made program. He found that the emotional intensity of the Bach combined with the resonance of the bass in small settings produces a strong and almost hypnotic affect on audiences, regardless or maybe because of their lack of exposure to this kind of music. Followed by the chance to laugh and share with each other, most in these places have found the experience to be life changing.