Description

Mini-Bass Quartet No.2 was completed on 21 October 1991 and is aimed at the junior Double Bass, Quartet. In one movement, it is primarily in 1st and 4…th positions with a few modern sounds and effects added for contrast and interest. Arco, pizzicato and simple harmonics create a backdrop against which effective percussive rhythms add to the harmonic textures. The middle section encourages each player to ‘let their hair down’ with different noises, sounds and effects to demonstrate the many possibilities of the contemporary double bass. The mini-bass became popular during the second half of the 1980s and new solo and ensemble music was needed for younger players. This quartet is both traditional and forward looking from a composer who understood the potential of the double bass, even during the first years of study. It offers effective musical and technical challenges for all the bassists and is both engaging and exciting in performance