Basses Four Book 3 brings together three fun and vibrant pieces which are aimed at the intermediate quartet. They are colourful and inventive, offering musical and technical challenges in equal measure, and written in engaging and appealing styles which is typical of Tony Osborne’s upbeat and adventurous musical language.

1. On the Edge is lively and rhythmic, typical of Tony Osborne’s jazzy and accessible music. Ideal for the good intermediate quartet, there are effective musical and rhythmical challenges for each player and the addition of percussive effects gives another dimension to the jazz-infused style. Bass 1 plays in thumb position with Bass 2 venturing into low thumb position, but everything is playable and the quartet has been successful and popular in performance. On the Edge was written for David Heyes and the double bass students at Wells Cathedral School (Wells, Somerset), where it was premiered on 27 February 2005.

On the Edge was composed in 2004 and is all about rhythm and vitality. It has a rugged and powerful drive which is set in the opening bars – at first using percussive effects and then stated in G minor. A bridge section, played col legno, leads into a restatement of the theme. An insistent ostinato figure for basses 1 and 2 accompanies the second theme, here introduced by basses 3 and 4, then the parts are switched around, followed by a recapitulation of the opening theme. Further percussion sections follow, with an exciting build-up of rhythmic variation and effects, leading to a final statement of the theme, first in G minor then G major, bringing the piece to a strong and confident conclusion. It provides excellent opportunities to develop rhythmic confidence and independence whilst working within an ensemble. [Tony Osborne]

On the Edge for double bass quartet by Tony Osborne is a driving rhythmic piece that is loads of fun for bassists, incorporating percussive techniques. 1st bass plays in treble clef which might be best played by a teacher, but the notation for the other parts is straightforward and suitable for AMEB Grade 2-3 players. The syncopated rhythms will keep players concentrating in this piece. Add On the Edge to the school concert program and everyone will want to learn bass 1. [Alison MacGregor/Stringendo/Australian Strings Association]

2. Pure Soap was composed in 1989 for The Bass Club Summer School, as a contrast to Real Cool, and is a gentle, melodic and flowing waltz. Written in a popular style, typical of the theme tunes used for TV dramas or ?soap operas? in the mid- 1980s, the melodic interest is primarily given to Bass 1, with strong, important and supportive accompaniments given to the other players.

3. Blues-Beat was commissioned by David Heyes for a Double Bass Weekend at Wells Cathedral School (Wells, Somerset). In the style of a jazz waltz, the use of pizzicato and arco alongside jazzy rhythmic figures and lyrical melodies, creates a fun work which has great energy and momentum. Tony Osborne had the great skill to write music which was instantly appealing for both players and audiences alike, guaranteed to bring a wry smile and enjoyment to all.