Pieces of Eight is a collection of eight enjoyable and engaging pieces for the young bassist. A range of popular musical styles have been employed,…
Pieces of Eight is a collection of eight enjoyable and engaging pieces for the young bassist. A range of popular musical styles have been employed, such as ragtime and rock, to create fun pieces which have a strong rhythmic element and should appeal to young bassists of all ages.
Each piece has a lively and supportive piano accompaniment, ideal for any school concert, and offer a range of musical and technical challenges which have been ‘road-tested’ many times with the composer’s own students. The variety of musical styles and idioms should appeal to young bassists and there is scope to change or adapt bowings and dynamics to create a truly unique performance each time.
1. Sunday – It’s Sunday. How about relaxing to the sound of an easy ‘swing’ melody? Take a break and simply enjoy the music.
2. Happy Bass – this gospel-like melody expresses the enjoyment of playing music, which has a smooth and groovy feeling.
3. Candlelight – through the darkness the low and sonorous voice of the double bass provides a light into the night.
4. An Old-Time Rag – an old-fashioned rag with a swing and dance feel throughout. Nonchalant, easy-going and relaxed. Set on the ABRSM Grade 4 Double Bass syllabus from 2024.
5. A Strange Waltz – a mysterious waltz is a perfect way to discover the true expressive possibilities of the double bass through a colourful and lyrical melody.
6. The Funky Ragtime and a Serious Fugato – a journey through time – back to the craziest rhythms of a funky ragtime and forward to the profound beauty of a serious fugato.
7. A Slow Rag – the tune is in the style of the old ragtime numbers, with a slow and bouncing rhythm, and a relaxed mood prevails.
8. Double Bass Party – what could be better than a party to celebrate the joy of learning to play the double bass? A rock’n’roll tune is perfect for a great party feel.
[Programme notes by the composer]
