Repertoire

Colin Brumby: Double Bassiv. Suite for four double basses (1975) 11’
Colin Brumby. Ancient and modern dances and songs – 20’
Astor Piazzolla: Oblivion, tango for trio (1982)
Consuelo Velázquez: Bésame mucho for quartet (1932)
Irving Berlin: Alexander’s Ragtime Band for quintet (1911)
Jerome Kern: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes for quintet (1933)
Paul David Hewson (Bono): With or Without You for sextet (1987)
Gustav Mahler: Urlicht for quintet, from Symphony No. 2 (1888-1894) 7’
Pietro Mascagni: Intermezzo from Cavallería Rusticana (1890) 4’

ARTISTS

OBC double bass group

pROGRAMME

The double bass is the lowest-pitched string instrument and often serves as the backbone of the orchestra, setting the rhythm and harmony. Yet, it has the potential to be so much more! In jazz, the instrument can serve as a melodic voice with its distinctive walking bass line, while in pop or folk music, it provides a warm and authentic sound, replacing the electric bass.

This concert showcases all the facets of this fascinating instrument. Colin Brumby’s energetic Suite for Four Double Basses and Dances and Songs Ancient and Modern will highlight its strength and expressiveness. We will be transported to Argentina with Piazzolla’s nostalgic piece Oblivion, while iconic melodies such as Bésame Mucho and Alexander’s Ragtime Band will fill the air with their lively rhythms. To conclude, the elegance of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and the intensity of With or Without You will mesmerise the audience, leading them to a poignant finale featuring Mahler’s Urlicht and Mascagni’s Intermezzo.

It promises to be a concert full of colours, emotions and contrasts, with the double bass as the undisputed star of the show.