Bert Turetzky exploits and explores a wealth of colours, textures and timbres available to the contemporary double bass, including two jazz pieces played pizzicato, always within a lyrical framework, creating music that offers musical and technical challenges in equal measure.

Contains Pacific Parables which is currently set on the ABRSM Double Bass syllabus for Grade 7 list C and Blues for Ray is on Grade 8 list C.

3 Short Pieces for David:

1. Basically Baroque – This collage should be played in a lyrical style bringing out the quality of each little excerpt.
2. Romance – This love song should have a ‘night music’ vibe. Articulations and dynamics are up to the performer.
3. Finale – Chopsticks are the sound generators for this movement. The first section is played ‘below the bridge’ – the proper string utilised is notated by where it ‘sits’ on the staff. The second section is played ‘on the string’ with a sense of swing. The third section (the poem) should start immediately after the last note of the second section. This poem should be delivered with a sense of fun. When finished pluck the G and D strings with your left hand and simultaneously pluck the A and E strings with your right hand thus producing a LARGE SOUND. Your arms will end up extended in a bow – be careful not to drop the Bass!
[Performance notes by Bert Turetzky]

3 Short Pieces for David was premiered on Sunday 30 September 2018 at the Garden Gallery (Farnham, Surrey) by David Heyes (double bass).

Pacific Parables:

Pacific Parables is rhythmic and energetic, employing a number of sounds and effects, to create mood and atmosphere, in a work of great character and imagination. Suitable for any audience or occasion, Pacific Parables is both player and audience friendly. Bert Turetzky writes: “Living in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean has changed my life. Fascinated by the different cultures, different folklore and especially the different cuisine of the Pacific Rim peoples. As a result, it is no surprise that this piece “just happened.”

Of Love and Loss:

Of Love and Loss is a work of great imagination and spirit. Written in a traditional and tonal idiom, there is great scope to create a wonderful atmospheric soundscape and exploring the many colours and timbres of the solo double bass. The piece is both player and audience friendly and offers much to the inventive and enterprising bassist. Bert Turetzky writes: “I wrote this piece in memory of my mother Taube Feldman Turetzky (1904-1997). Her tales of walking across Europe to get on the boat to New York have resonated in my memory for many years. Then one day, in a recording session, I was asked to play a solo and an early version of this piece happened. Since then I have edited and polished the piece and here it is for your delectation.”

Of Love and Loss received its UK premiere at St. Paul’s Church, Clifton (Bristol, UK) on Sunday 14 June 2015 by David Heyes (double bass)

Blues for Ray:

Blues for Ray is dedicated to jazz bassist Ray Brown and is played pizzicato throughout. There is scope for optional improvisation, contrasting solo and accompaniment figures and a range of pizzicato techniques and approaches can be employed to create a ‘cool’ piece which is suitable for any audience or occasion.

Hat Tippin’ Blues:

Hat Tippin’ Blues is played pizzicato throughout and is a colourful and inventive solo which ventures occasionally into the higher register of the double bass. A slow introduction leads into faster music which is fun, vibrant and fizzing with energy and excitement.