“To write this work was a challenge and was inspired by some music sketches that came out in a master class about composition for the double bass in Valletta. The challenge was to write the piece in only one day and to premiere it on Sunday 19 October 2019. I originally composed it for bass sextet but then decided to write a new part which can be played by beginners, so it´s a perfect work for play together with bassists of all abilities.

Great Fun and Smiles in Malta has two different themes, first in G minor and the second in G major. With a rhythmic accompaniment and a marching melody, different techniques appear throughout the piece such as pizzicato, tremolo and harmonics. It was premiere at the final concert of Malta International Double Bass Days on 19 October, 2019 in Valletta´s Old University by all the double bass students and featured teachers Gjorgji Cincievski, Michelle Scicluna, Jiří Hudec and Simón García. It was a very successful premiere for both the audience and the players.”

[Simón García]