Adolf Misek’s Concert-Polonaise is a virtuosic showpiece for the advanced bassist and would be an ideal final item in a recital or an encore. In one extended movement but divided into a series of contrasting moods and emotions, it combines technical and music challenges which demonstrate the amazing potential and possibilities of the solo double bass throughout its entire range.

Probably dating from the early years of the 20th-century it is dedicated to František [Franz] Simandl (1840-1912), the double bass teacher of Adolf Mišek, and was first published by C.F. Schmidt (Heilbronn, Germany) as part of High School of Double-Bass-Playing (Die hohe Schule des Contrabass-Spiels), Simandl’s ground breaking nine-volume series of solo pieces by leading bassist-composers of the late-19th and early 20th-century.

In the style of a polonaise (Polacca in Italian) with its characteristic dance-like rhythms and in 3/4 time, the piece is a technical workout for any bassist and holds the audience’s attention from the first note to the last alongside a colourful and vibrant accompaniment which adds drama and rhythmic interest to the mix. The edition includes two bass parts – one without fingerings and one with Mišek’s original fingerings.