Highly commended in the 2001 BIBF Composition Competition, this has a wonderful sense of atmospheric stillness and calm. Playable by 4 to 8 basses, it contrasts passages of solo with ensemble, producing music of great distinction and unique every time. An ethereal quality pervades the entire work, with emphasis on interpretation, soundscapes and atmospheric timbres.

Canadian composer, Michael Hynes, has written a number of works for double bass and a minimalist approach produces works of great clarity and imagination.

Bird, Lake, Stone, River is a musical translation of the poem and etching 'The Fourth Hunter' by Canadian poet and artist Michael Two-Rivers. It was premiered at Bass-Fest 2002 on 6 April 2002 (Downe House School, Newbury, Berkshire) by David Heyes, Jeff Bradetich, Mette Hanskov, Thierry Barbe, Peter Leerdam, Teppo Hauta-aho, Jonathan Poad and Nic Hyde.

Performance Level: Advanced