Charles Dancla: Air Varie on a theme of Mercadante for double bass & piano (arr. David Heyes)

About the Arrangement

Newly arranged for double bass by David Heyes, an elegant and stylish theme is followed by three inventive and spritely variations ending with a short and exciting finale. The piece uses a two octave range, into low thumb position, and its musical and technical challenges will make this ideal for the intermediate bassist who is confident in the orchestral range of the instrument and is looking for an 'easy virtuoso' piece to end a recital.

The piano accompaniment is simple and supportive and is available for both solo and orchestral tuning.

About the Composer

Charles Dancla (1818-1907) was a French violinist, teacher and composer and was the last representative of the French school of violin playing. He was a successful soloist and had the gift for writing bright and graceful music for the violin.

Dancla composed many works for his instrument, including two sets of operatic fantasies on themes from Italian opera for violin and piano (Op.89 and Op.118), and Air Varié No.6 on a theme of Mercadante is taken from the first set (Op.89).

About the Arranger

David Heyes (b.1960) studied double bass with Laurence Gray and Bronwen Naish, later at the Royal College of Music in London, and completed his post-graduate studies in Prague with František Pošta (Principal Bass, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra). He has given recitals and masterclasses in 20 countries over the past few years and has been a juror at a number of international competitions, three times as chairman.

David's collaborative work gained him a prestigious award from the David Walter Charitable Trust of New York for his pioneering activities as a soloist, teacher, publisher, and commissioner of new music for double bass and he works with composers throughout the world to expand the double bass repertoire by commissioning new music and by rediscovering forgotten ones. Since 1983 more than 700 works have been written for him, music from one to twenty basses and from beginner to virtuoso, and he has premiered ten contemporary concertos with orchestra.

David began to compose in 2013 and has had music performed and recorded in 29 countries across five continents. He is a D'Addario Performing Artist and has recently commissioned a solo double bass from British master-luthier Martin Penning.