Concerto for Double Bass in D

Solo double bass and orchestra is not a natural pairing. ?The orchestra, with its combined instrumentation, is capable of a huge variety of dynamics and colors, whereas the bass is not a particularly loud instrument and has a predominantly dark sound. ?The ambition of this piece, however, is to bring out the qualities of the bass that make it a surprisingly good solo instrument. ?At best, the bass is quite lyrical and able to convey a range of emotion. ?The five and a half octave range used in this piece provides, if nothing else, a bit of drama. ?And the indigenous involvement of the bass in many styles of music outside of classical provides a natural springboard from which to explore the intersection of some of these styles with classical music.