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Double Bass Unaccompanied Solo

SirFunk

SirFunk

May 24, 2001
275
5
41
Topeka, KS
www.jeffutter.com
#1
Hi all,

I'm trying to find something to play for a self-prepared piece for a jury. I'm in an odd situation where I can't easily get an accompanist so i am trying to find something unaccompanied to play.

Much of the existing unaccompanied bass music is too contemporary for my taste. I will likely have to play something arranged for bass or arrange something myself (which I am open to). I'm looking for suggestions.

I recently played a recital with Valse Miniature, Bottesseni Elegy, Sonata 1963 and the Pergolesi Sonata so that's an idea of where I am at. I am not looking for anything much harder than that material as far as technique goes.

Any ideas?

Thanks
 
#2
SirFunk said:
Hi all,

I'm trying to find something to play for a self-prepared piece for a jury. I'm in an odd situation where I can't easily get an accompanist so i am trying to find something unaccompanied to play.

Much of the existing unaccompanied bass music is too contemporary for my taste. I will likely have to play something arranged for bass or arrange something myself (which I am open to). I'm looking for suggestions.

I recently played a recital with Valse Miniature, Bottesseni Elegy, Sonata 1963 and the Pergolesi Sonata so that's an idea of where I am at. I am not looking for anything much harder than that material as far as technique goes.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Click to expand...


Well, Bach and Fryba stand out in my mind as good composers that would suit what you're looking for. You could do a bach cello suite or the fryba suite for bass.
 
#3
Oopse, i thought i had mentioned that I don't really want to play bach. I will if i can't come up with anything else but I have a hankering for something different.

I stumbled upon Fryba stuff late last night through some youtube searchin. It looks like it might be a little more difficult than what I want but I do really like the pieces. I'll give them a try and see if it will be doable in the time I have.
 
#4
Yes, if you are where you say in your first post then Fryba is off limits except maybe for the Gavotte. There is a lovely set of variations on Greensleeves by Knut Geutler. It can be found in the Yorke edition solos for unaccompanied bass volume (check that it's the right one before bying). Also from Yorke edition is the 'Grounds' by Anthony Baines.
 
#6
Thanks for all the input. I decided upon the Fryba Allemande. It works quite well. I re-wrote most of the tenor clef stuff in treble clef. Silly number of ledger lines :-D The second half gets a tad tricky with stopped thumb stuff but it's a good challenge.

I would be interested in that Gajdos if you wouldn't mind. I did a quick google search and couldn't find any recordings, so I don't really have any idea what it is like.

Thanks all
 
#7
SirFunk said:
Thanks for all the input. I decided upon the Fryba Allemande. It works quite well. I re-wrote most of the tenor clef stuff in treble clef. Silly number of ledger lines :-D The second half gets a tad tricky with stopped thumb stuff but it's a good challenge.

I would be interested in that Gajdos if you wouldn't mind. I did a quick google search and couldn't find any recordings, so I don't really have any idea what it is like.

Thanks all
Click to expand...

It's a great lyrical piece with lots of double stops in the lower register. PM me your e-mail address and I'll scan it for you.
 
#10
The Fryba you chose is a long way from the Elegy and Valse Miniature. I can only wish you luck. I hope your thumb position is up to keeping this in tune because it will really show. If your tuning slips it is often difficult to get back into position up there. Before you make your final decision have a look at the Gavotte movement which is considerably easier. I don't know what your time line is like but getting this ready for an audition which you know about, from scratch is quite a task (not that I'm discouraging you of course). Let us know how you get on.
On another point you made, you said you didn't want to play Bach, but you chose Fryba.
I know a few players who consider playing Fryba a poor replacement for playing Bach. The Fryba is of course far inferior musically and, unless they are a double bass players, the extreme technical difficulties are lost on audiences. I almost agree with them but the challenge is too great to resist!
Cheers
FC
 

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