LOST BEAUTY

Music for Double Bass by František Hertl and Contemporaries

Szymon Mariniak – double bass

Jongsuk Kim – piano

Solaire Records SOL1018

This is a wonderful CD on so many different levels – amazingly beautiful and informed performances, informative programme notes and stylishly produced packaging. It brings together two of the finest double bass sonatas in the repertoire alongside three pieces which deserve to join todays standard concert fare.

František Černý (1861-1940) represents the late-romantic school with two evocative pieces which emphasise the cantabile and sonorous qualities of the double bass. Černý obviously knew how to write for the instrument and both performers revel in the rich sonorities and long lyrical melodies which hark back to a previous age. Szymon Marciniak understands the style completely and draws out a wonderfully singing tone throughout the solo range, which is perfect for these pieces.

Karel Reiner (1910-1979), although not a bassist, produced a sonata which sounds like it was written by a player. Reiner survived incarceration in Terezín, the concentration camp situated a few miles out of Prague, only to fall foul of the Communist party who disapproved of his avant-garde style music. The sonata, composed in 1957 and dedicated to František Hertl is, as the liner notes recount ‘falls into the “conservative” period of his output’. The three movements are rhythmically charged, with a drive and colourfully independent accompaniment, in music which is tonally modern but also instantly accessible. Both performers explore the lighter and darker colours, creating constantly changing moods and atmosphere, and this is a wonderfully exciting performance which confirms the sonatas place in the top tier of double bass sonatas.

František Hertl (1906-1973) was an important figure in Czech musical life for many decades, as a composer, bassist, teacher and conductor. His sonata, composed in 1946, is a significant three-movement work which never fails to deliver and offers so much to performers and audiences alike. Each movement explores new and diverse musical worlds and the performers revel in the challenges creating a performance which is both musically and technically appealing.

Hertl’s Four Pieces are not so well known but ought to be. Playable singly or as a suite, each one encapsulates a different musical image or style with none outstaying their welcome. The piano accompaniments are beautifully subdued and sensitive and demonstrate Jongsuk Kim’s mastery of the style and idiom.

Lost Beauty is a CD that I will return to time again because of the wonderful repertoire and also the stylishly elegant performances. There is much to enjoy, for bassists and non-bassists alike, and if you want to discover the power and beauty of the solo double bass simply listen to the slow movements of each sonata. Although they inhabit different musical worlds, the message is clear and decisive that the double bass is an amazing solo instrument and there is a wealth of concert repertoire still to explore. Highly recommended.

David Heyes [15 December 2024]