Description

Freefall is a lyrical and colourful piece which is aimed at the intermediate bassist. Primarily in bass clef but venturing into low thumb position, a …wonderfully singing solo line demonstrates the sonorous and cantabile qualities of the double bass, above a supportive and evocative piano accompaniment. “The exhilarating sensation of a freefall through the air is musically represented by a number of features of this piece. The soaring melodic writing for the double bass has a weightless quality and is presented above a strong bass line in the piano representing the solidity of the ground below. Constant energy is provided by the continuous movement in the piano right hand, the echo effect used to provide a feeling of a vast open space. During the first section of the piece, the piano creates a sense of falling through a gradual descent in pitch and towards the end, the left hand increases in complexity as if features on the ground below are becoming more visible as the freefall nears its conclusion.” [Programme note by Douglas Mason] Freefall is also available in a version for cello & piano