This is the first of six international bass quartets - each commissioned by a different bassist. This impressive work has great energy and spirit, and is full of rhythmic vitality and drive.

Dedicated to David Heyes. 'New Beginnings' is in one extended movement, in three contrasting sections, and offers musical and technical challenges for each player. The jazz-inspired idiom produces a work that is accessible to players and audiences alike. 'New Beginnings' was premiered in Texas (USA) in 2004, alongside the premiere of Bass Quartet No.2 'Pioneering Spirit'.

There are effective musical and technical challenges for each player, resulting in a work of driving energy and great fun. Tony Osborne is a master at creating quartets which offer many things to players and audiences alike. His jazz-inspired music adds a lively and exciting dimension to the growing and developing bass quartet repertoire.

Performance Level: Advanced

Tony Osborne is an important educationalist and prolific composer who has made a significant and unique contribution to the double bass repertoire over the past 35 years. His solo music for young bassists is included by many international examination boards, and his many ensembles pieces are performed at workshops and concerts throughout the world. Tony Osborne notes the influences of Gershwin, Copland and Bernstein, alongside some of the Russian masters, on his music, which he combines with a jazzy, rhythmic and energetic style that has been popular with players and audiences worldwide.

Born in 1947 into a musical family, Tony Osborne studied at the Royal Academy of Music (London) with John Walton (double bass) and Richard Stoker (composition), and divides a busy career between composing, teaching and performing. A very prolific composer and arranger, Tony's original compositions include works in almost every genre, notably Chaconne Syncopations and Wainwright's Ways for brass quintet, Celebration Fanfare for brass ensemble, the musical A Fine Time for Wine, a beautiful and dramatic Requiem and many works for string orchestra.

In 2001 Tony Osborne was elected an ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music) for his pioneering and important work for double bass, and has been a featured composer at Bass-Fest for the past decade. He was a very successful BIBF Composer-in-residence in 2002-3 and wrote a number of impressive and innovative works for the project. He has been a judge for the British Composer Awards over the past few years and has been a judge for the BIBF Composition Competition since 1999. Recital Music is planning a major festival of Tony Osborne's music in 2012, to celebrate the composer's 65th birthday, and has formulated a 10-year project to publish all his works for double bass.
www.tony-osborne.com