Sebastien Beliah: Four Episodes for double bass & piano

About the Compositions

Four Episodes is a suite of four vibrant and colorful pieces for the intermediate bassist. Dating from 2012, each has its own character and style, useful for both the concert hall and as study repertoire, with piano accompaniments that are accessible, supportive, and exciting.

1. The Gypsy’s Caravan - A mysterious, magical evening in an imaginary Spain, where a group of gypsies are dancing around the fire. The music is lively and rhythmic, evocative and colorful.

2. Milonga para Basso - The heart and soul of tango. The profound voice of the bass is, without any doubt, the best suited for singing this expressive melody. The dance feeling and the contrasting rhythms should encourage any bass player to play this tune with passion.

3. Rumbass - A piece with a relaxed feeling, using the exotic rhythms of Cuban Rumba. A chilled and yet groovy song.

4. The Haunted House - Imagine yourself tip-toeing in an old and probably abandoned house. Squeaking floor, creepy sounds in the attic emphasized by the wind blowing outside through the leafless trees… Scary but exciting!

About the Composer

Sebastien Beliah was born in 1979 and studied at the CNSM in Paris (Jazz/Improvisation) and double bass with Jean-Christophe Deleforge at the CRR in Auberviller-La Courneuvre.

He divides a busy career between performing (classical, contemporary, jazz), teaching, and composing. For 7 years, he led the quartet 'Wark', which performed at many festivals across France, and currently plays with the trio 'r.mutt' and 'Ensemble Hodos'.

Since 2006, Sebastien Beliah has taught double bass and improvisation at the CRR in Reims and is also an active member of the Umlaut Records crew in Paris.

Photo Credit: Alicja Kochanowicz