Sonata Op.81 is aimed at the adventurous bassist and was composed for David
Heyes, who recorded it for Prima Facie Records in 2021.
The musical …style demonstrates a composer with a love of colour and texture,
primarily using the lower register of the double bass, contrasting an independent
piano accompaniment which adds drive and drama.
The first movement (Allegro moderato) is confident and energetic, deftly moving from
key to key with the two soloists constantly moving forward until the closing bars
which bring the movement to a simple and effective conclusion. The second
movement (Andante) is the heart of the work with a beautiful cantilena for the double
bass, playing in its middle register, supported by a gently undulating and chordal
accompaniment. The textures are rich and luxurious emphasising the sonorous and
cantabile qualities of the double bass.
A rhythmic and vibrant Vivace brings the work to a strong and successful conclusion.
The introduction of pizzicato adds a new colour alongside jaunty themes and
rhythms which add fun and character to a work of great distinction and quality. Ruth
Gipps’ Sonata for double bass and piano is a substantial work which gives the
double bass equal billing with the piano.
Look Inside
Giovanni Bottesini was an Italian Romantic composer, conductor, and a double bass virtuoso born on December 22, 1821, in Crema, Lombardy1. He is often referred to as “the Paganini of the double bass” due to his extraordinary skill with the instrument.
Bottesini’s early musical education was provided by his father, an accomplished clarinetist and composer. He began playing timpani with the Teatro Sociale in Crema before the age of eleven and later studied violin with Carlo Cogliati1. His father sought a place for him at the Milan Conservatory in 1835, and Bottesini prepared a successful audition for the double bass scholarship in a matter of weeks.
After leaving the conservatory in 1839, Bottesini embarked on a globe-trotting career as a double bass virtuoso. He made his first appearance in England in 1849 and enjoyed great popularity for many years due to his extraordinary skill as a performer1. Bottesini was also known throughout Europe as a conductor and directed the first performance of Verdi’s Aida at Cairo in 1871.
Bottesini’s contributions to music include numerous operas, sacred works, orchestral pieces, and works for the double bass. His fantasies on Lucia di Lammermoor, I puritani, Beatrice di Tenda, and especially La sonnambula are virtuosic tours de force that are still popular with those who are highly accomplished on the instrument.
He passed away on July 7, 1889, in Parma.
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