Campana sobre campana translate literally as 'bells upon bells' and is a traditional Spanish Christmas Carol and was arranged for double bass quartet by Simon Garcia in the style of a Christmas fox-trot. The music is lively and jolly and, although is meant to be played at Christmas-time, could easily be added to any concert as a fun encore.
The composer has also created a version for double bass and piano.
Bells upon bells are pealing, But one bell sounds clear o'er all,
The birth of Jesus revealing, Babe born to redeem our Fall.
O bells of Bethlehem which reach the highest heav'n, what news bring you?
Leave your flocks and come, shepherds, swiftly come, Bring some cheese and bring some wine!
Bells upon belles are pealing, But two are clearest as they ring,
The birth of Godhead revealing, That is the message they bring.
E'en the stars above call you, shepherds, to that Holy Babe,
Call you to that Holy Babe, the Son of God in all His love.
Bells upon bells are pealing, But three sound loudest in the wind.
That Babe in cradle now sleeping Shall die at the third hour of all mankind.
O bells of Bethlehem which touch the angels, What good news you bring!
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 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.