Composed as a tribute to the Hollywood composer, Elmer Bernstein, who died in August 2004. It was premiered at Bass-Fest 2004, barely a week after Bernstein's death, and is a fun septet, full of rhythmic invention and vigour. Immediately accessible, this is 'pure Tony Osborne' with much to enjoy for performers and audiences alike. Rhythmic drive and momentum propel the piece to a fast and rousing conclusion.

Tony Osborne writes: "Elmer Bernstein (1922-2004) was one of the great Hollywood composers. In his long and highly successful career he composed some of the most memorable themes and enhanced the atmosphere of many films. He also composed for the concert platform and stage. Named after one of his most important film score, The Magnificent Seven was commissioned by David Heyes - two days before its premiere performance - and performed at Bass-Fest 2004 by seven players from almost as many nations.

Without trying to copy or parody Bernstein's unique style, this piece seeks, in a direct and unpretentious way, to recreate the exciting world of writing a film score: to capture the spirit and story; keep the energy flowing; make it playable - but interesting - with minimum rehearsal time; complete to a short deadline - no problem!

Just let the picture flow by in your mind's eye - TAKE 1 - CAMERA - ACTION!"

The Magnificent Seven was premiered on Monday 23 August 2004 at Bass-Fest 2014 (Sherborne School, Dorset, UK) by David Heyes, Mette Hanskov, Peter Leerdam, Arjen Leendertz, Alexandra Scott, Andreas Bennetzen and Teppo Hauta-aho.

Performance Level: 6;8;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