3 Concert Solos by Douglas Mason brings together three colourful and vibrant pieces for the intermediate bassist. Rhythmically inventive alongside lyrical solo lines, they explore and exploit the many facets of the double bass across its orchestral register. The piano accompaniments are imaginative and inspired, helping to create three solos which would be ideal for any audience or occasion.

1. Circus Parade was composed for Fizz@50 and is a fun and engaging work which is ideally suited to the intermediate bassist. Remaining in bass clef throughout, the music is rhythmically charged and offers musical and technical challenges in equal measure. The accompaniment is lively and colourful, creating a piece which offers much to players and audiences alike.

“Circus Parade depicts a scene where the circus has arrived in town and the performers put on an entertaining street parade. Musically, the march-like nature of the parade is balanced with a playful and comical atmosphere. The light-hearted melodic writing in the double bass is combined with colourful harmonic material in the piano, which incorporates the subtle use of polytonality in places.”

[Programme note by Douglas Mason]

Circus Parade was premiered at Wells Cathedral School (Somerset, UK) on Sunday 2 October 2011 by Joe Prindl (double bass) and Gemma Beeson (piano).

2. Freefall is a lyrical and colourful piece which is aimed at the intermediate bassist. Primarily in bass clef but venturing into low thumb position, a wonderfully singing solo line demonstrates the sonorous and cantabile qualities of the double bass, above a supportive and evocative piano accompaniment. [Freefall is also available in a version for cello & piano]

“The exhilarating sensation of a freefall through the air is musically represented by a number of features of this piece. The soaring melodic writing for the double bass has a weightless quality and is presented above a strong bass line in the piano representing the solidity of the ground below.

Constant energy is provided by the continuous movement in the piano right hand, the echo effect used to provide a feeling of a vast open space. During the first section of the piece, the piano creates a sense of falling through a gradual descent in pitch and towards the end, the left hand increases in complexity as if features on the ground below are becoming more visible as the freefall nears its conclusion.” [Programme note by Douglas Mason]

3. Latin Dance: Great fun for both performers and audiences, Douglas Mason’s Latin Dance neatly captures the style and spirit of Latin American music throughout. The melodic writing for the double bass combines suave song-like passages with more energetic material and this effectively compliments the lively syncopated rhythms and colourful harmonies presented by the piano. [Latin Dance is also available for oboe and piano.]

Only available in orchestral tuning