Description

Danza Chinesca (Chinese Dance) is a lively, exciting and evocative piece for massed double basses, also playable by quintet. A wealth of playing styles such …as sul ponticello, glissando, tremolando, harmonics and percussive effects, create an oriental sound world which is immediately attractive for players and audiences alike. Each part offers effective challenges for a range of abilities and the composer has written a colourful work full of rhythmic energy and momentum. Simón García writes: ‘Danza Chinesca is a piece written to be used at workshops and the theme is inspired by traditional Chinese music and uses different effects and sounds to simulate some of the traditional Chinese instruments. It is an interesting piece for young bass players because they will play with the bow, pizzicato, jazz pizzicato, percussion, glissando, harmonics, tremolo and sul ponticello, with the addition of solo and tutti sections. It is written so that it be can played with students of elementary and advanced level. The accompaniment changes gradually until the Chinese theme becomes hip-hop music.’ Danza Chinesca was premiered at Wells Cathedral School (Somerset, UK) on Sunday 26 February 2012 and is dedicated to David Heyes.