Composed by the great Finnish composer Teppo Hauta-aho, Pizzicato Pieces Book 1 are three fun and accessible pizzicato pieces for the beginner, intermediate and progressing bassist.

This book features three distinct pieces, each serving as a musical narrative in its own right while collectively forming a progressive journey.

Jazz Sonatine No.1 (1998) only uses 1st and 2nd positions and is a jazzy and engaging three-movement suite dedicated to three American jazz-greats – Paul Chambers, Charles Mingus, Scott LaFaro. Inventive and accessible, this is a firm favourite with young bassists and teachers alike.

Di-Ba-Dum (1998)is rhythmically exciting and inventive, contrasting jazz idioms with easy contemporary styles, and is dedicated to Richard Davis. Remaining in bass clef throughout, ideal as both study and concert, Repertoire, and a drumbeat could easily be added to great effect.

Pizzicato Waltz (2000) combines classical and jazz styles and is the most advanced of the set. It includes some music in treble clef with the addition of harmonic strummed chords which add colour and contrast to a lively and evocative waltz. It was written for David Heyes and Bass-Fest 2000.

“Teppo Hauta-aho has certainly come up trumps with this book of pizzicato pieces…I would definitely recommend adding this volume to anyone’s collection and eagerly await Book Two.” [Bass News]

Finnish composer and bassist Teppo Hauta-aho, was the most prolific bass composer of our time and since the 1970’s composed more than 400 works for double bass – spanning the entire range of standards from beginner to virtuoso. He was born in 1941 and studied double bass with Orvo Hyle and Oiva Nummelin in Finland, and František Pošta in Prague. He played with the Helsinki Philharmonic between 1965 and 1972, and the Finnish Opera Orchestra from 1975 to 2000.

Teppo Hauta-aho was an active recitalist, both classical and jazz, gave more than 300 recitals with his duo partner, Carita Holmström, and was at the cutting edge of modern improvisation – performing with leading improvisers throughout the world, for many years. His music is evocative and atmospheric, shaped by jazz and contemporary styles, and the influence of the dramatic and bleak landscapes and vistas of his native Finland are captured throughout his music.

Finnish composer Harry Wessman writes: “As a composer, Teppo Hauta-aho has always been his own teacher, basing his technical knowledge on his wide practical musicianship as an orchestral player, chamber and jazz musician. It would not be an exaggeration to claim that he was the jazz bassist most in demand in Finland in the 1970’s, and a few of his works are pure jazz compositions. But the compositional techniques and musical means used in the majority of his works originate in an unusual openness for any devices. Along with modern techniques, his source of inspiration includes all the previous stylistic periods in European music, impulses from Oriental music and, of course, jazz. His own instrument, the double bass, has profited especially from his rich inventiveness in finding new means to conjure forth.”

This book is currently set on the ABRSM (Grade 3 List C), Trinity College London (Grade 6 Group B) , and Music Teachers Board (Grade 4) syllabuses.

There is also a second book of Pizzicato Pieces by Teppo Hauta-aho available for download: RMD1014

Pizzicato Pieces Book 1

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