Full Orchestra - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.809714
Composed by Robert E. Proctor. 20th Century,Contemporary,Jazz. Score and parts. 128 pages. R. E. Proctor #2102129. Published by R. E. Proctor (A0.809714).
A concerto for Double Bass and orchestra in the traditional fast - slow – fast concerto format. While not overly challenging for the bass soloist, it does explore, to a degree, the upper reaches of the instrument as well as sounding the beautiful low range. The first movement is that might be called Neo – Classical, opening with an 8-measure solo in a Largo or slow tempo. The tempo then changes to Allegro (fast) for the balance of the movement. The movement ends as it began with the double bass playing alone. The second movement is a jazz waltz. In 9/8, it opens with the soloist playing pizzicato against a rhythmic cord progression. The bass and cello sections pick this up to provide a ground upon which the balance of the movement is played over. The second movement is in the relative minor of Bb which is G minor. A haunting melody is introduced by the bass and doubled by the strings. This melody is replayed by various instruments as the Bass Soloist plays variations on this theme. The harp and the bass solo end the movement. The third movement leans toward French Impressionism. This movement is Andantino; however, it is a spirited. Written in cut time, where the half note equals 92 beats per minute. The melody is introduced by the woodwinds with the harp accompanying. The strings and brass join in as the woodwinds repeat the melody. Finally, the bass solo takes charge of the melody using it as a theme and variation. The harp is used extensively in this concerto providing harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic support for the bass. Written in 2015, the concerto is a new work, however, it is not experimental music. It uses the standard orchestral instruments playing in the standard fashion. It is replete with modern harmonic sounds and chord progressions.
As concerto's go, this one is not overly difficult providing the bassist with a starting point as a soloist. It does require the soloist to have some mastery over the instrument as the music traverses most of the instrument’s range. Performance time is approximately 13 minutes and 10 seconds.
