Aladar Pege, 67; European Jazz Musician Was Known as the ‘Paganini of the Bass’

Aladar Pege, 67, a noted European bassist who moved with ease from jazz to classics, died Saturday at a hospital in his native Hungary, according to the Hungarian news agency. The cause of death was not reported.

Pege, a dazzling player with deep knowledge of the capacities of his instrument, was called the “Paganini of the bass,” after violin virtuoso Nicolo Paganini. In his later years, Pege often transcribed and performed classical works written for other instruments because of the bass’ limited solo repertoire

Pege’s jazz ensemble, which he formed in 1963, gained quick international recognition, and his 1982 appearance at New York’s Carnegie Hall with pianist Herbie Hancock was widely acclaimed. Sue Mingus, widow of American jazz bassist Charles Mingus, subsequently gave Pege one of her late husband’s instruments.

Before that, Pege had been named “Festival Virtuoso” at a 1964 jazz event in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), and “Europe’s Best Soloist” at the 1970 Montreux jazz festival in Switzerland.

His better-known performances included virtuoso duet recordings with pianist Walter Norris and tours with the Mingus Dynasty. He also played with Art Farmer and Dexter Gordon.

Born into a family of Gypsy musicians in Budapest on Oct. 8, 1939, Pege did not start playing the bass until age 15. But he quickly grabbed the attention of teachers at the Bartok Bela Musical Training College and fellow musicians.