Double Bass Concertos

[OCSSUbassplayer]

Hi, I wanted to know of your opinion on what the top 5 double bass concertos are. Thank you.

[PNeher]

Originally Posted by OCSSUbassplayer

Hi, I wanted to know of your opinion on what the top 5 double bass concertos are. Thank you.

Well, it would be hard to name five "top" concertos. What is "Top?" But those that I like the most, for challenge, interest, lyricism, and variety... that are composed orginally for the double bass WITH orchestra (not piano only) are:
#1 Bottesini - Concerto #2
#2 Sperger - Concerto #5
#3 Hertl - Concert
#4 Vanhall - Concerto
#5 Tubin - Concerto

But let's not dismiss the wonderful works of Proto (at least three concertos), Schuller (a very challenging but rewarding work), Harbison, Meyer, Dittersdorf (two great period pieces, as well as the Sinfonia Concertante with viola), Sperger's many other concertos (not all wonderful works), Dragonetti's many concertos (NOT counting the Nanny concerto attributed to Dragonetti known as the Dragonetti Concerto in A), etc. etc.
What really counts as "top" for you depends on your place in your emotional and musical development. Hope this helps, and thanks for the question. Have a great Holiday!
Patrick

[stiv1]

Are there any recordings of the Hertl Concert piece available? I have a couple of
recordings of the sonata but can't seem to locate the concerto on disc.

[PNeher]

Originally Posted by stiv1

Are there any recordings of the Hertl Concert piece available? I have a couple of
recordings of the sonata but can't seem to locate the concerto on disc.

I cannot think of one right now, but I am pretty sure there is at least one, of an Eastern European bassist and orchestra. Keep researching on the internet. Also, you could try contacting my student, Jason Roederer, who is doing a doctoral project on Hertl Concerto at this moment. His email I can give you through a private message.
Best!
Patrick

[Eli_Upright12]

No love for Koussevitzky?

[Illfavor]

Hoffmeister is also quite nice. Great intermediate pieces (along the lines of Sperger, but more fun IMHO).

[barbarbass]

Dittersdorf wrote (at least) a pair of concerti for DB, very similar in style to Vanhal. They are both available on Hyperion recording CDA67179, released in 2000. Chi-Chi Nwanoku is soloist with the Swedish CO (under Paul Goodwin).

See Hyperion's website: www.hyperion-records.co.uk