Description

Dextera Domini was composed in 1871, originally for solo voices, 3-part choir, organ and double bass, and works well for bass quartet or larger forces. The …opening theme, beautiful in its simplicity, is introduced by Bass 3 in its lower register, developing into music of a more passionate and dramatic nature exploring the entire solo register of the double bass. The powerful and imposing chordal writing contrasts music of unpretentious and unadorned beauty, ending quietly and simply and with a gentle sincerity. The edition includes two versions:
HIGHER – in B flat major, the original key, this is the more advanced of the two
LOWER – transposed down a minor third into the key of G major, this is aimed at the intermediate ensemble
In both versions Bass 1 plays primarily in thumb position, Basses 2 and 3 play mostly in bass clef, with short forays into thumb position for Bass 2, and Bass 4 remains in the lower register throughout.