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!
Newly arranged in 2008 and playable by bass quartet or larger forces, this is an ideal opportunity to study the famous double bass solo from one of Verdi's greatest operas within the context of the orchestral accompaniment.
Successful in performance, there are challenges for each performer and the melodic material is shared equally between the four parts. Great scope for creating a wonderfully sinister and brooding atmosphere with the generally low and subdued colours of the orchestral double bass.
"David Heyes, co-founder of Recital Music and a much sought-after double bass soloist and teacher, did a wonderful job with his arrangement of Verdi's beloved double bass solo from the fourth act of Otello. It is perfect for students who are getting to know the solo for the first time. The arrangement includes notes describing what is taking place in the opera as the music is being played. Aditionally, the orchestral introduction and interludes are arranged for the quartet to play. This not only helps the students gain a better understanding of the musical setting of the solo but also makes the quartet a more complete arrangement for performance. A piano accompaniment is also included for solo bass...perfect for apsiring bassists." [Micah Howard / Bass World - ISB]
A version for double bass and piano is also included.
Performance Level: 8
