Product Description
A concerto for Double Bass and orchestra in the traditional
fast - slow fast concerto format. While not overly challenging for the bass
soloist, it does explore, to a degree, the upper reaches of the instrument as
well as sounding the beautiful low range. The first movement is that might be called Neo Classical, opening with an 8-measure solo in a Largo or slow tempo. The tempo then changes to Allegro (fast) for
the balance of the movement. The
movement ends as it began with the double bass playing alone. The second
movement is a jazz waltz. In 9/8, it
opens with the soloist playing pizzicato against a rhythmic cord progression. The bass and cello sections pick this up to
provide a "ground" upon which the balance of the movement is played over. The second movement is in the relative minor
of Bb which is G minor. A haunting
melody is introduced by the bass and doubled by the strings. This melody is replayed by various
instruments as the Bass Soloist plays variations on this theme. The harp and the bass solo end the movement. The
third movement leans toward French Impressionism. This movement is Andantino; however, it is a
spirited. Written in "cut" time, where
the half note equals 92 beats per minute.
The melody is introduced by the woodwinds with the harp accompanying. The strings and brass join in as the woodwinds
repeat the melody. Finally, the bass
solo takes charge of the melody using it as a theme and variation. The harp is used extensively in this concerto
providing harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic support for the bass. Written in 2015, the concerto is a new work,
however, it is not "experimental" music.
It uses the standard orchestral instruments playing in the standard fashion. It is replete with modern harmonic sounds and
chord progressions.
As concerto's go, this one is not overly difficult providing
the bassist with a starting point as a soloist. It does require the soloist to have some
mastery over the instrument as the music traverses most of the instruments
range. Performance time is approximately
13 minutes and 10 seconds.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.