Der Fremde (The Stranger) was composed for 'Bass Instinct' and exists in versions for double bass quartet or double bass sextet. The music is lively and jazzy with a strong rhythm section (bass 4) underpinning the whole and with possibilities to improvise. The other basses give the impression of a saxophone choir, working in rhythmic unison and creating great lyrical and syncopated melodic interest.
Der Fremde has an immediate impact and is both player and audience friendly and is typical of the exciting and engaging music by this talented young Spanish composer-bassist. The UK premiere of the sextet version was at Bass-Fest 2013 on 4 August 2013 at the Silk Mill (Frome, Somerset) by Dan Styffe, David Heyes, Eloise Riddell, Josie Jobbins, Simon Garcia and Ben Groenevelt.
Bassist and composer Simon Garcia was born in Mugardos (Spain) in 1977 and graduated in double bass from the Conservatorio Superior of Salamanca. He has worked as a double bassist in the Royal Orchestra of Galicia, having also performed in many orchestras throughout Spain, and is the bassist in the Symphony Wind Orchestra of A. Coruna. He has collaborated with many musicians and ensembles, particularly in the field of contemporary music, and has recorded and performed on many commercial recordings and for television and radio broadcasts.
Simon Garcia has composed more than twenty works for double bass, ranging from two to six players, alongside transcriptions of these pieces for various chamber ensembles. His music has been performed in Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay, Denmark, Spain, Japan, Italy, Austria, Germany, Canada, USA and UK by The Bass Gang, Bass Instinct and Il Quint-etto amongst others, and some of his music was used as teaching material in the 2011 ISB Year of Collaborative Music. Simon was a 'Featured Composer' at Bass-Fest 2013 and 11 of his works were performed.
Simon Garcia's music is lively, jazzy and rhythmic with great forward momentum and drive. Accessible for players and audiences alike, he writes colourful music of distinction and energy, employing the entire range of the double bass.
