Announcement,
Recital Music downloads now available!
Recital Music was founded in 1986 and is an independent music publishing firm, run by David and Sarah Heyes. Over the past thirty-eight years, they have published more than 400 works for double bass, from beginner to virtuoso, including music by some of the leading composers writing for the instrument today. Up until recently, most of their publications were single titles, but their recent decision to move away from printed editions to digital downloads only has enabled Recital Music to bundle many similar ability pieces together, to everyone’s benefit.
Their publications are performed worldwide, and many are featured on grade examination and diploma lists. They are the primary publisher of composers Tony Osborne, Teppo Hauta-aho, Miloslav Gajdos, David Heyes, Simón García, Vojta Kuchynka, Rudolf Tuláček and Armand Russell.
Presto Music are pleased to announce that we now offer Recital Music titles as digital downloads. You can find some of our favourites below.
Recital Music Publications
The Dragonetti Concerto was first published in 1925 as No. 23 of Edouard Nanny's Les Classiques de la Contrebasse. For many years no one questioned its authenticity, but as more research into Dragonetti's original works for double bass was made, concerns began to arise. Eventually, most people concluded that this work is by Edouard Nanny.
Available Format: Download
Daily Exercises for Double Bass is designed to build confidence and to develop and consolidate technique, primarily in the orchestral register of the instrument. Technique is simply a means to an end, and music is the ultimate goal.
Available Format: Download
Featured in the ABRSM Grade 8 syllabus. Polka was composed in 1849 and is stylish and elegant, primarily using the middle register of the double bass. The Trio (Poco meno mosso) is charming and engaging, influenced by the polkas and stylish dance music of Johann Strauss I and Joseph Lanner in nearby Vienna. It offers musical and technical challenges to the progressing bassist with a lively and supportive accompaniment.
Available Format: Download
Featured in the ABRSM Grade 7 syllabus. Douglas Mason writes: "The exhilarating sensation of a freefall through the air is musically represented by a number of features of this piece. The soaring melodic writing for the cello/double bass has a weightless quality and is presented above a strong bass line in the piano representing the solidity of the ground below. Constant energy is provided by the continuous movement in the piano right hand, the echo effect used providing a feeling of a vast open space..."
Available Format: Download
Konzertstück is an exciting work with a wealth of musical and technical challenges. This edition includes piano accompaniments for both solo and orchestral tuning.
Available Format: Download
These are jazz solos rather than bass lines, to allow those unfamiliar with, or inexperienced in jazz to explore a world very different from the usual repertoire. Some are more challenging than others, often in terms of style rather than technique, and the all-important word is ‘feel’. They can be played pizzicato or arco, even a mixture of both, but they were written to be enjoyed by player and audience alike. It would also be possible to add a drum beat. Go for it!
Available Format: Download
Three characterful, lyrical, and enjoyable solos are written in the salon style of the late 19th century and allow the solo double bass to sing throughout the solo range of the instrument. Rudolf Tuláček studied composition with Dvořák and his music echoes the Czech nationalist style, always melodic, tuneful, and graceful.
Available Format: Download
A collection of short and engaging pieces for the progressing young bassist. Each piece has its own character, employing technical and musical challenges in equal measure, with simple and supportive accompaniments which add character and contrast. Teppo Hauta-aho has written a wealth of exciting and accessible music for young bassists and demonstrates a mastery when creating mini musical soundscapes in the lower register of the double bass.
Available Format: Download
Celebrations Book 6 brings together seven pieces for unaccompanied double bass by the legendary American bassist Bertram Turetzky. Aimed at the intermediate bassist, these inventive, evocative, and colourful pieces are ideal as both study and recital repertoire.
Available Format: Download
A collection of fifteen duets and eight trios for double basses, arranged by David Heyes. Aimed at the intermediate duo and trio, these are pieces that offer musical and technical challenges in equal measure, demonstrating the great versatility and potential of the double bass.
Available Format: Download
Ellena Taylor - Sheet Music and Books Manager
