Basses Four Book 1 brings together two exciting pieces which are aimed at the intermediate quartet. Both offer musical and technical challenges in equal measure, written in an engaging and appealing style, and are typical of Tony Osborne’s upbeat and adventurous musical language.

Tony Osborne composed a wealth of inventive and accessible Double Bass Quartets for every age and ability level. Often employing jazz styles and idioms alongside an exciting rhythmic drive and momentum, he created many quartets which are instantly appealing for players and audiences alike.

Time Travel

Time Travel was commissioned by David Heyes for the double bass department at Wells Cathedral School (Somerset, UK) and was premiered in the Concert Hall on 9 November 1997 by Jennifer Knight, David Heyes, Sarah Horton and Philip Anson.

Time, movement, drive, momentum, energy – all of these convey a feeling of the rhythmic power in this pieces. It is in two distinct sections – the first [Moderato] reflects contained or restrained energy, building up prior to its release. It opens with a bold, fanfare-like statement followed by a strongly syncopated theme, which returns in the second section. A second theme, exclusive to this section, gives a definite jazz character – which is more rhythmically stable. The syncopated theme and opening fanfare are then restated.
The second section [Presto, molto ritmico e marcato] projects more flowing, liberated energy. An insistent lower rhythm underlines a simple but powerful theme – reminiscent of an Indian raga. The flow is spiced with irregular time signatures, as well as references to the earlier section. Through the development of this the energy flow is undiminished as it builds to a strong conclusion. [Tony Osborne]

“Rhythmic power is the focus of this two-movement piece by Tony Osborne. Written for four double basses of intermediate standard, the work strongly portrays a feeling of time, movement, drive, momentum and energy. The first section (Moderato) with its bold fanfare-like opening statement, stunning syncopated first theme, and more rhythmically stable jazz-like second theme, reflects restrained energy, while the second section (Presto) projects more flowing, liberated energy. The insistent rhythmic lines of the lower parts accompany a simple but powerful theme

reminiscent of an Indian raga. Irregular time signatures as well as fleeting references to the earlier section create a feel of tremendous energy, building right up to the strong conclusion. Time Travel is a highly entertaining work to perform and listen to.” [STRINGENDO – Australian Strings Teachers Association]

The Millennium Bug

Composed in late 1999, during the ‘millennium bug’ scare, this fun piece is aimed at the intermediate bass quartet and remains in bass clef throughout apart from a few forays into low thumb position by Bass 1. Full of typical Osborne jazz influences and styles, it has great rhythmic energy and drive, abounding with striking syncopations and ending with a fun-packed hoe-down finale. Great fun to play.

The words “Millennium Bug* conjured up chaos and confusion at the end of the 20th- century, although this one is a little better mannered! At first it hops about in a rather nonchalant way – obviously not bothered by the prospect of being caught, but getting generally cheekier until it works up to a foot-tapping Hoe Down with some “calling words” thrown in for the adventurous quartet. This is obviously a user-friendly Millennium Bug which should provide lots of entertainment. [Tony Osborne]

The Millennium Bug was premiered at St. Antony’s Leweston School (Sherborne, Dorset UK) on 2 October 2005