Hippo Viikari V was composed in 1990 as a 70th birthday tribute to František Pošta (1919-1991), the legendary double bass virtuoso who was Principal Bass of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra for over forty years.
In one movement, this is part of a series of pieces with a similar title and based on the same thematic material. The solo double bass is both soloist and team player, weaving its colourful and inventive melodic lines into music which has a rhythmic energy, alongside passages of quiet calm and beauty.
A number of modern playing techniques are employed, but never at the expense of the narrative or musical landscape, and anyone who enjoys the music of Teppo Hauta-aho will love this piece.
Contemporary in style, but always accessible and approachable, Hippo Viikari V explores and exploits the lyrical, sonorous and singing qualities of the double bass, against a magical and evocative background of ever-changing sonorities and soundworlds.

Hippo Variations No.5 – a Fantasy for solo double bass & string orchestra

Hippo Viikari V is for double bass in orchestral tuning only.