František [Franz] Simandl (1840-1912) was one of the leading bassists and teachers of his generation and studied double bass at the Prague Conservatoire with Josef Hrabě. He became a member of the Vienna Philharmonic and taught at the Vienna Conservatoire, teaching many bassists who exported the Czech double bass school to every corner of the world. Although Simandl’s music has fallen from favour in recent times, he was a pioneer of his day and his New Method for Double Bass helped succeeding generations to build and develop the standard of double bass playing today.
Fantasia on Bohemian National Songs is a spirited and engaging work which is ideal for the intermediate bassist. It utilises much of the range of…
Fantasia on Bohemian National Songs is a spirited and engaging work which is ideal for the intermediate bassist. It utilises much of the range of the solo double bass, offering technical and musical challenges in equal measure, alongside a colourful and inventive piano accompaniment which adds support and rhythmic interest.
First published in Vienna in 1886, Fantasia on Bohemian National Songs is in one extended movement, with a number of connected sections which add contrast, drama and interest, in music which is instantly appealing and accessible. Simandl writes in a confident and charming late 19th-century style, and this would be ideal as the opening or closing piece in a recital.
This edition includes piano accompaniments for both solo and orchestral tuning.
