Description

The name of Franz Keyper (c.1756-1815) is known to bassists thanks to his fun and lively Romance & Rondo for double bass and piano …or orchestra. Very little is known about him except that he was Principal Bass of the Royal Danish Orchestra in Copenhagen for a number of years and he also composed seven concertos (composed between 1786 and 1804-7) for the double bass, one for harp and a duet for cello and double bass.</p< Romance & Rondo brings together two movements from Concertos 1 and 2, obviously put together as a standalone piece by the composer and this new edition, for the intermediate bassist, includes piano accompaniments for both solo and orchestral tunings. The Romance is a charming and elegant piece which emphasises the singing quality of the double bass in its orchestral register, contrasting a rhythmic and entertaining Rondo with its spirited opening theme which is played in harmonics. Romance & Rondo is a wonderfully accessible and exciting recital piece for the intermediate bassist, ideal for any audience or occasion, and is a bright and appealing piece to showcase the double bass.