Quartettino Basso 5/4 was commissioned by David Heyes and was premiered by the double bass students at Wells Cathedral School (Somerset, UK) on 5 May 2006.

Quartettino Basso 5/4 is aimed at the good intermediate quartet, with effective and accessible musical and technical challenges for each player, and is a two-movement work of atmospheric and tonal contrasts within the orchestral register. Both movements are in 5/4 time, hence the title, and there is much here to enjoy for bassists of all ages and abilities.

Teppo Hauta-aho writes in a modern but accessible idiom and there are many opportunities for developing ensemble skills. He is the most prolific bass composer ever and his works for double bass are performed and recorded worldwide.

The 1st movement (Adagio)uses a range of dark and sombre tone colours initially, developing into a more atmospheric section contrasting simple harmonic passages against melodies in the lower registers. The 2nd movement (Allegro moderato) is more rhythmic with a strong forward momentum, and some work in treble clef for bass 1, but nothing too challenging.