Completed on 23 February 2000 ‘The Volga Fantasy’ is based on ‘Song of the Volga Boatmen’, a traditional Russian song which was collected by Mily Balakirev and first published in 1868. The song has been the inspiration for many composers including Alexander Glazunov and Manuel de Falla alongside inclusion in many films and cartoons throughout the 20th-century.

‘The Volga Fantasy’ begins slowly and simply, in three parts, before gradually extending to nine parts, and the song melody is embellished with rolling harmonic figures which add energy and momentum. The upper parts use the higher harmonic register, the lower parts play harmonics in 3rd and 4th positions, and the theme is ever present, in different registers, creating a unique work which is suitable for all ability levels.

Teppo Hauta-aho is a past master at writing music which is colourful, exploring textures and timbres, and introduces a number of contemporary playing techniques before the music gradually dissolves into silence.

Finnish composer and bassist Teppo Hauta-aho was the most prolific bass composer of our time and since the 1970s has composed more than 400 works for double bass – spanning the entire range of standards from beginner to virtuoso.