Claus Alexander Freudenstein: Bass-Hymn for double bass quartet or ensemble

About the Composition

Bass-Hymn is a fun and innovative work which can be performed by bass quartet, quintet or massed players. Bass 5 is written for beginners, only using 1st position, and the part is optional.

The music is written in a lively and immediately accessible style, with something of interest for everyone, and the piece enables bassists of all abilities to play together.

“Bass-Hymn was initially written for the Bavarian Bassdays Festival to have a piece that includes bassists of all levels, so that mini-bass players, who have just started to learn the instrument, can play alongside professional soloists. The goal is that no player is overwhelmed and also that no one is bored with the piece.

Bass-Hymn uses two major themes that are repeated many times in different variations. So in the end the audience will leave singing, whistling or humming the Bass-Hymn.

Bass-Hymn is dedicated to bassists and music lovers everywhere. Since its premiere it has been performed in many countries around the world. Noteworthy national premieres have been in USA, Greece, Norway, Portugal, Italy, Honduras, Guatemala, Brazil and recently again at the Bavarian Bassdays Festival with almost 100 bassists playing double bass, mini-bass and electric bass.” [Claus Alexander Freudenstein, November 2025]

About the Composer

Bassist, educator and composer Claus Freudenstein was born in Bavaria (Germany) in 1972. He is the inventor of the “Freudenstein-Minibass” and is the founder of the international double bass quartet “The Bassmonsters”.

Claus Freudenstein is an active bass soloist and a long time Director on the board of the International Society of Bassists. Since 2014 he has been Director of the world famous bass festival “The Bavarian-Bassdays”. Alongside, he has given masterclasses and solo concerts in Spain, England, Austria, Italy, Malta, Egypt, Portugal, USA, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mexico.