The A night at the Opera series
The world of opera has long inspired composers and players to plunder the best arias and melodies to transcribe for other instruments. The double bass is no exception and Bottesini's operatic fantasias are still at the very heart of our solo repertoire into the 21st-century.
Recital Music publish a number of opera transcriptions - works for double bass and piano or double bass ensemble - and there are many more works in various stages of publication. It's difficult to keep a good tune down!
Two Russian Arias is now available as a PDF download. The ABRSM have confirmed that they are happy to accept downloads for examination purposes.
https://dbbpublications.gumroad.com/l/glinkaarias
Newly arranged for double bass (or cello), Susanin's Aria and Ruslan's Aria were transcribed from Glinka's operas by Rimsky-Korsakov in the 1880s.
Originally with string orchestra accompaniment [RMS114], these two intermediate solos are full of Russian style and character, offering lyrical and melodic challenges in the accessible orchestral register. Suitable for Grade 6/7 level, the minor keys and rich sonorities are ideal for the cello or double bass.
Susanin's Aria (Double Bass) - Grade 6 Trinity-Guildhall
Performance Level: 6;7
