Austrian bassist-composer Max Dauthage (1862-1937) studied at the Vienna Conservatoire with František [Franz] Simandl. He completed his studies in 1884 and joined the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, where he played until his retirement in 1918.
Dauthage taught at the Vienna Conservatoire from 1910-31 and composed a number of recital and educational works for the double bass including 20 Melodische Übungsstücke [20 Melodic Pieces] (Db/Pno), A School of Virtuosity, Concerto (Db/Orch), Andante & Humoresque (Db/Pno) and Andante (4Db) amongst others.
20 Melodic Pieces was first published in Vienna and Leipzig in 1911 and offer excellent teaching and recital repertoire for the good intermediate bassist, combining musical and …technical challenges in equal measure. The accompaniments are interesting and supportive, complementing inventive, lyrical and dramatic solo lines for the double bass, written in a lyrical and late-romantic style.
Book 2 includes five colourful and engaging pieces, primarily in the orchestral register but also venturing into thumb position.
6. Romance is lyrical with an elegant dance-like feel contrasting music of a more dramatic and animated nature. In ternary form, with a simple and confident coda, there are opportunities to demonstrate the cantabile and sonorous qualities of the double bass throughout its almost three octave range.
7. Waltz is charming and stylish, reminiscent of a previous age, bringing to mind the beautiful waltzes of the Strauss family in Vienna. There are few technical challenges for the intermediate bassist, playing in the middle register of the instrument, with a supportive accompaniment which adds colour and drive.
8. Polonaise is marked Alla Polacca (in the style of a polonaise), with a crisp and rhythmic accompaniment contrasting solo music of a more lyrical nature. The different styles of the accompaniment create interesting contrasts and moods, with the two soloists in perfect union throughout.
9. Legende is both lyrical and dramatic, driven by a rhythmic and restless accompaniment which pushes the piece through to a successful conclusion. The double bass demonstrates its lyrical and technical possibilities, primarily in its orchestral register, and the interesting harmonic palette adds colour and variety.
10. Souvenir takes the double bass into a higher register with music of a lyrical and animated nature. The accompaniment is both supportive and inventive, chordal and contrapuntal by turn, creating a cushion of sound above which the bassist is able to weave lyrical and sinuous melodies across its solo range.
This edition includes accompaniments for both solo and orchestral tuning.
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