The Transcriptions Series series
Recital Music publish a wealth of original works for double bass alongside a popular, accessible and growing range of transcriptions for bassists of all ages and abilities. Most transcriptions published by Recital Music are by David Heyes, who has a successful and proven track record when arranging for double bass.
Sumer is icumen in is also available as a PDF file - please contact doublebass@tiscali.co.uk for more details.
'Sumer Is Icumen In' is a medieval English round of the mid-13th century. The title translates approximately to 'Summer Has Come In' or 'Summer Has Arrived' and although the composer's identity is unknown today, it may have been W. de Wycombe. The manuscript in which it is preserved was copied between 1261 and 1264. The arrangement for double bass sextet or massed basses is aimed at players of different ability levels, underpinned by basses 5 and 6 with a repeated ground bass which contrasts arco and pizzicato styles.
Simple phrases played in harmonics are introduced to add 'height' to the arrangement and the piece can be played with or without vibrato. No dynamics are included allowing each ensemble to create their own interpretation and performance.
David Heyes has arranged hundreds of works for double bass over the past 35 years, many for bass workshops which encompass a wide ability range.
