Cesar Franck: Dextera Domini for double bass quartet & piano (or organ) (arr. Heyes)

About the Composition

Dextera Domini was composed in 1871, originally for solo voices, 3-part choir, organ and double bass, and works well for bass quartet or larger forces. The opening theme, beautiful in its simplicity, is introduced by Bass 3 in its lower register, developing into music of a more passionate and dramatic nature exploring the entire solo register of the double bass. The powerful and imposing chordal writing contrasts music of unpretentious and unadorned beauty, ending quietly and simply and with a gentle sincerity.

The edition includes two versions:

HIGHER - in B flat major, the original key, this is the more advanced of the two

LOWER - transposed down a minor third into the key of G major, this is aimed at the intermediate ensemble

In both versions Bass 1 plays primarily in thumb position, Basses 2 and 3 play mostly in bass clef, with short forays into thumb position for Bass 2, and Bass 4 remains in the lower register throughout.

About the Composer

César Franck was born in Liège in 1822 and died in Paris in 1890. He was an important composer, organist and teacher of his day and from the early 1870s was organ professor at the Paris Conservatoire. Franck was a prolific composer, writing symphonic, chamber and keyboard works, particularly for the organ, and much of his music has remained in the repertoire into the 21st-centrury.