Double Bass Concerto
composer: Gavin Bryars
text writer: Kukol'ink
("Farewell to St. Petersburg")
for solo double bass, optional 3 part bass chorus and chamber orchestra
text by Kukol'ink
Commissioned work: Commissioned by the BBC for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Premiere: September 21, 2002 Glasgow, Tramway (UK) · Duncan McTier, double bass · Conductor: Martyn Brabbins · BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra instrumentation: 2.0.1.bcl.1.cbsn-2.0.0.0-timp.2perc(glsp, crot, vib, tub bells, tam-t, b.d)-hp-str(0.0.6.4.2 preferred)
Publisher: Schott Music Ltd., London
Duration: 27' 0''
Year of composition: 2002
Language: Russian
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Description
Written for Duncan McTier, this concerto has the unusual addition of an optional male voice choir. Many Russian elements influenced Bryars when he was writing the piece, not least the text for the bass voices which is taken from Glinka’s song cycle Farewell to St Petersburg. Bryars writes ‘The orchestration is quite light throughout, so that the singing quality of the double bass can emerge. The emphasis in terms of tessitura is on the middle register, though in the closing section there is a passage in natural harmonics. Although the piece is not designed to be a virtuoso showpiece, there is a brief cadenza in which the soloist is supported at times by other solo instruments (bass clarinet, viola, cello, bass).’
(Gavin Bryars)
Recordings
Silva Caledonia (2008)
Gavin Bryars
Estonian National Male Choir; Daniel Nix, solo double bass; Mareks Lobe, solo baritone; Kaspars Putnins, conductor
GB RECORDS
BCGBCD11
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