Description

Duo Basso VI was composed in 2008 but only received its premiere on Friday 6 September 2019 at Wells & Mendip Museum (Wells, Somerset) by Alexander Heather (double bass) …and David Heyes (double bass). In two contrasting and extended movements, combining jazz and contemporary styles, the piece is a great addition to the bass duet, Repertoire and offers musical and technical challenges aplenty for both players. The composer explores a wealth of colours, textures and timbres, with the lyrical potential of the double bass always to the fore, and each movement would stand well as a separate recital work. The music is always interesting and evocative, with great rhythmic interest and momentum, primarily with a pizzicato accompaniment from bass 2, as bass 1 explores the potential of the upper register and an effective use of harmonics to add height and contrast. Both bassists play from the same score