Ian Davies: A Box of Delights: Five Pieces for Beginner Double Bass Quartet

About the Composition

A Box of Delights is a collection of five short, colourful and enjoyable pieces for the beginner double bass quartet or larger forces. Using 1st position, alongside a few easy harmonics in 4th position and a range of playing effects, they offer simple musical and technical challenges and are playable in any number or order. A limited number of notes and note values are used to create useful sight-reading and concert repertoire, introducing chamber music in the earliest years of study.

Repeats can be added if needed and the edition includes a score and four parts.

Table of Contents

1. Junior Clocks

Lots of space in this piece. Make the most of the notes you play and really listen to what everyone else is doing and how each part fits together.

2. Tippy Tappy

Bass 1 and 2 play as one, as do bass 3 and 4, all together making up a very rhythmic piece. Alternate who plays which part to get a different perspective on the music and learn new skills.

3. Bass Better Blues 

It’s the height of the swing era, and jazz is the order of the day. Play out when you’ve got the melodies, and be supportive when playing the backing and rhythm parts.

4. Gregory’s Chant

Full of counterpoint, unison lines and different techniques, Gregory’s chant weaves and winds itself, keeping the players on their toes!

5. Lullaby 

Seemingly the simplest quartet, this piece requires delicacy and a refined sense of musicality, leading the listening (and player!) into a restful peace.

About the Composer

Ian Davies has been passionate about music for as long as he can remember. His musical journey has been diverse and multifaceted, as a performer, teacher, composer, sound engineer and producer, and he holds a Master’s Degree in Music Performance, a Bachelor’s in Music, and a Diploma in Popular Music Performance.

His mission is to inspire others to explore, create, and experience the wonders of music and a recent project, Music for Middle Earth, is a reflection of his deep love for storytelling and music. Through this original collection of songs, he aims to bring the words and poems of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit to life in a symphony of fantasy and adventure, transporting listeners into Tolkien's magical world.

Whether teaching, composing, performing, or producing Ian Davies finds joy in every aspect of music.