| Product Code: | RMD1693 |
| Publishers Number: | RMD1693 |
| Published date:: | 31-Dec-25 |
| Language: | English |
| Condition: | New |
John Alexander has never been a prolific composer, but an impressive and growing body of work reflects a rare eye for detail and structure – each work beautifully crafted and reworked until every inflection, detail and nuance is perfect. Probably best described as a miniaturist, he writes in a fluent, independent and strongly personal style with an intense desire to create music which communicates to both performer and audience alike.
In 1999 John Alexander won the 1st BIBF Composition Contest and was invited to be a judge for several BIBF competitions. He was a featured composer at Bass-Fest 2001, was an spnm short-listed composer for three years, and was Composer-in- residence at the 2004 Rotterdam Conservatoire Double Bass Weekend, Bass-Fest 2006 and 2007 Wells Double Bass Weekend. His works have been performed and broadcast throughout the world and he has written an impressive and unique body of work for double bass.
traffic trials by John Alexander are a set of four little pieces (stories, perhaps) attempt to express some of our frustrations, anxieties and acceptance of…
1. uphill (HGV in front) There’s a huge lorry (the double bass’s part in this case) travelling uphill on a single carriageway with no passing places. A car (the piano, in this case) is behind the lorry trying to find ways to overtake – without success – as the lorry proceeds seemingly even slower. The car driver is late for an appointment.
2. please stay green; please You are travelling in a 30mph zone, there are speed camera signs about and you observe the lights a little way ahead is green. Will they remain so before you pass them? Because you wish to keep moving, having already stopped at five red lights, you murmur a brief mantra (title). Do you make it?
3. gridlock waltz So; the traffic has come to a complete standstill on a major road. There is no movement and no way through. The sun is shining. Someone has her car door wide open. Music is coming from the radio. A couple, having left their vehicle, are quietly dancing in the middle of the highway.
4. narrow, curvaceous road (SUV tailgating) Travelling at a reasonable speed (as fast as you safely dare) along a bendy, narrow lane, an impressive (but ugly) ‘four-wheel drive’ is following, desperate to overtake; he desires to push you to go faster (he has the stripes, too). Do you relax and ease up?
traffic trials was composed for the BIBF ‘one-Minute Wonders’ Project and was premiered at Wells Cathedral School (Somerset) on 28 September 2007 by Stevie Jo Doolie (Double Bass) and Mark Cracknell (piano), as part of the 2007 Wells Double Bass Weekend. John Alexander West Sussex 2007
R.R.P £8.00
Our Price: £6.40
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