Catalogue
Double Bass Concerto (2000)
Programme Note available | View performance history...
First performance: Alice Durrant; Glasgow Schools Symphony Orchestra / John Maxwell Geddes, Queen's Hall, Dunoon, 08 Jul 2000
Work Details
Category: orchestral concerto
Duration: 18
Instrumentation: Db / 2221 4231 Tp 3 Perc Str
SMC Holdings
Programme Note
1. Waltzing. 2. Siciliano. 3. Ritmico.
I had fond memories of playing flute with the Glasgow Schools' Symphony Orchestra in the 1960s. So I relished the opportunity to compose for them and a soloist from their ranks, Alice Durrant. Conducted by my fellow composer, John Maxwell Geddes, they premiered it in July, 2000. In 2002 it was performed and broadcast by her teacher, Anthony Alcock, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sian Edwards.
The concerto takes the simplest of musical ideas, plays with it, dances with it, highlighting the double bass both in its traditional role at the deep roots of harmonies and in its soaring, high voice. The transition from the simple theme of the opening mirrors the process of human development, from infancy to maturity, with the opening suggesting the awakening of musical perception.
The conflicts of the world disturb the reflective, chant-like nature of the second movement. However, optimism is re-established by the rhythmic verve of the lively and playful third movement, while earlier themes surface as memories.
Throughout the concerto the orchestra plays a supporting role; the soloist often merges with mass sounds but finds a more intimate dialogue with other soloists - on violin, cello and horn.
Edward McGuire.
