Composer: Bartok, Bela
Arranger: David Heyes
Instrumentation: 2 Double Basses, 3 Double Basses
Publisher:
| Product Code: | RMD1092 |
| Publishers Number: | RMD1092 |
| Language: | English |
| Condition: | New |
Béla Bartók was a Hungarian composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist born on March 25, 1881, in Nagyszentmiklós, Hungary1. He is considered one of the most important composers of the 20th century and is known for his significant contributions to music, particularly in the areas of folk music and composition.
Bartók’s early life was marked by his musical talent, which was evident from a young age. He began studying piano with his mother and later with a succession of teachers. His discovery of the music of Richard Strauss in 1902 stimulated his enthusiasm for composition.
As an ethnomusicologist, Bartók collected and analyzed folk music from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. His work in this field was pioneering and contributed to the development of comparative musicology, which later became known as ethnomusicology1.
Bartók’s compositions are noted for their Hungarian flavor and include orchestral works, string quartets, piano solos, several stage works, a cantata, and a number of settings of folk songs for voice and piano2. His music is characterized by its complex rhythms, innovative harmonies, and incorporation of folk elements.
Bartók’s legacy continues to influence musicians and composers around the world. His dedication to preserving and studying folk music has left a lasting impact on the field of ethnomusicology.
Bartók for Basses brings together a collection of 15 duets and 8 trios for double basses, arranged by David Heyes. Aimed at the intermediate duo…
15 Duos for 2 double basses
Bartók’s 44 Duos for Two Violins were composed in 1931 at the request of the German violinist and teacher Erich Doflein, to provide young musicians with structured technical studies, and to introduce them to folk music. The melodies originate in countries of the Slovak region, and two feature a melody composed by Bartók himself. They are rife with bi-tonal passages, poly-rhythms, and many brash dissonances. The 44 Duos are divided into four books, where the pieces advance in difficulty.
David Heyes has selected 15 from books 1 and 2 which lend themselves easily to being transcribed for double basses. Each one has its own character and style, none lasting more than a minute, offering musical and technical challenges in equal measure. They continue to have both a didactic and performance element and would easily fit into any student recital or concert demonstrating the versatility of the double bass. The duos could easily be played by violin or viola and double bass, and any number of pieces can be played and in any order. The possibilities are endless.
Bartók for Basses: 8 trios for 3 double basses
For Children is a cycle of 85 short piano pieces by Béla Bartók. Composed between 1908-9 and divided into four volumes, each piece is based on a folk tune from Hungary or Slovakia. Books 1 and 2 (Hungarian folk tunes) and Books 3 and 4 (after Slovakian folk tunes) were revised in 1945 when the composer removed six pieces that were inaccurately transcribed or found not to be original folk songs.
David Heyes has selected eight pieces, seven based on Hungarian folk tunes and one (Oh, Mother-in-law!) based on a Slovakian folk tune to arrange for Double Bass, Trio. The original keys have used in most cases, with the occasional octave displacement to help maintain open and clear textures. The effective interplay between each bass offers many ensemble possibilities and the ability to explore a wide range of musical timbres and sound worlds.
R.R.P £12.50
Our Price: 10
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