Based on the partsong by King Henry VIII, the use of open fifths and repetitive rhythms evoke the world of Tudor England, with its raw energy and brash sounds. Effective with massed basses and a firm favourite at many double bass workshops around the world.

It was first published in 1997 which celebrated Tony Osborne's 50th birthday and commemorated the 450th anniversary of the death of King Henry VIII.

'Pastyme with Good Companye. The Kynges balade', originally for 3 voices, and was one of the most popular tunes of the period and was composed in the early 1500s. Henry was trained in music from an early age and 34 of his original compositions survive, both vocal and instrumental. He ascended the throne in 1509 and was monarch until his death in 1547.

This edition for double bass trio was arranged by David Heyes from Tony Osborne's bass quartet version.

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.
www.tony-osborne.com