Double Bass Writing first Bass Quartet

[taylorbass109]

I'm currently an undergraduate getting my B.M. in composition, but I also am primarily a bass player. My university has a new bass teacher who wants to get our section more involved with string department activities, like the end of the year string concert (section ensembles, concertos, etc.) so I offered to write a bass quartet for this occasion. I ended up writing a six movement suite which we might end up playing one or two movements.

However I am a bit worried since the skill level of the bass program at my university is a bit lacking. We do not have any dedicated performance majors, and unfortunately I am topping the skill level there. So I'm worried about getting this project going with a group that has never done section ensemble work before, and is not the most passionate about music in general.

So basically I'm am asking for:
-Any feedback on the composition itself in general
-Advice with putting together bass quartets
-And any advice on developing a bass section in college (This is my last semester and I would like to get things moving in positive directions)

Thanks!

(This recording is from my phone, with all four tracks played by myself, so I apologize for the lack in quality)
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[MattyBass]

Just a thought but, you could rearrange your composition for different instruments. Every voice doesn't have to be a bass. Figure out who the most talented musicians are in your Department, and then rearrange your piece for them. It may change the sound/timbre of the piece, but it could still be really hip, and bring a different vibe to your work. In college as in real life, your not always going to have a symphony of virtuosos standing by to play your original music, so it is a great skill to be able to adapt to the working situation. Also, Rearranging for other instruments is in itself is a great compositional exercise, and a skill which will serve you well. Since your profile is void of any information, we don't know where you live/attend college, So it's a bit hard to give suggestions not knowing if you are in a big city like LA or NYC or in a little town in Montana. If you absolutely wanna keep it all DB, you could simply put out an add on craigslist looking for DB players interested in playing for fun, (which may not be likely to find that many quality players) or place an add or contact the local union or orchestra and hire professionals, to perform your piece. Best,

 

[taylorbass109]

Thanks for the reply!

Rearrangement is a good idea. The cello section usually does a thing at the string concert, I could probably could do two bass/two cello if things fall through. Arrangements for other ensembles besides strings would be possible as well, but I really want to represent the double bass with these pieces. I actually have very few bass pieces in my composition portfolio for it being my primary instrument (mostly string quartets, piano trios, wind quartets, etc.). I expect not to be able to play most of the movements until I get around a graduate school crowd or local professionals. But currently we have just exactly enough for the piece, four basses including myself,and with the aid of my teacher I believe that I'll be able to get them all to work on the second movement since it is not too difficult. But the pitfalls of a bass ensemble have me worried; intonation, unfamiliarity with melodic independence, and general chamber ensemble challenges. I am probably over worried about these problems, but any advice on working in bass quartets or bass ensembles would be greatly appreciated.