A lively three-movement suite aimed at the young bassist and composed in 2003 for Eloise Riddell. Work to Do! has a strong rhythmic drive contrasting a lyrical and rhapsodic Sweet Dreams. The suite ends with A Fun Day! brimming with energy and great character. Typical of Tony Osborne's music, this is approachable, accessible and very playable - full of jazzy, rhythmic energy and style. Ideal for any school concert or performance with musical and technical challenges for the younger bassist.

[Grade 3/4 - Trinity-Guildhall]

Performance Level: 3;4

"...The suite is fairly straightforward with strong rhythmic character suitable for a good Grade 5 player. The first movement 'Work to do' sets a strong and determined mood. 'Sweet Dreams' follows and is a kind of blues lullaby, while 'A Fun Day' brings the suite to a resounding close. The piano part has an integral role, providing harmonic underpinning and acting as a springboard from some of the rhythmic interplay. Good concert material." [Music Teacher]

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