David Heyes: The Wind in the Willows for beginner double bass quartet

About the Quartet

The Wind in the Willows is a suite of six fun and exciting pieces for the beginner double bass quartet. Primarily in 1st position, with a few easy harmonics in 4th position alongside interesting playing effects, a limited number of notes, rhythms and note values have been employed which are suitable for beginner bassists of mixed ability levels.

The pieces are short and succinct, none outstaying their welcome, offering a range of moods and idioms which will appeal to young bassists, which can be played in any order. There are solo and ensemble opportunities and teachers should feel free to amend any bowings or dynamics as they wish.

The suite can be played by quartet or larger forces and the addition of a narrator, describing the colourful story, can easily be added to great effect.

Table of Contents

1. On the River Bank features Bass 1 as the soloist, with a simple and atmospheric accompaniment which employs harmonics in 4th position and pizzicato notes to add depth and movement. The tempo should be unhurried, describing the river bank at daybreak, with the animals gradually awakening and everything slowly coming to life.

2. Messing About in Boats is a gentle waltz in D major and imagine drifting along the river in a boat on a sunny and relaxing Sunday afternoon. The mood is generally relaxed and easygoing, with a simple accompaniment describing the gently undulating movement of the boat, with a short passage of excitement before the friends arrive safely home and all is well.

3. The Wise Old Badger portrays a sagacious hermit figure living in the Wild Wood, and the music is slow and dignified to describe this much-loved character. The pizzicato music, played by Bass 4, describes the dignity and serenity of the Badger with a simple and supportive accompaniment which is both slow and sincere.

4. Mr. Toad’s Crazy Car Ride is fast and exciting with rhythmic energy from first to last. A feeling of reckless fun and vitality is interrupted as the car collides with a number of objects (Bartok pizz.), quickly slowing down before coming to a sudden and dramatic halt.

5. The Wild Wood is dark and sinister. The music has a stillness and silence, with an uneasy feeling as unidentified noises create drama and tension. Where are the sounds coming from? Are they from friend or foe?

6. A Brilliant Banquet for Mole, Ratty, Badger & Mr. Toad brings all the friends together to celebrate their many adventures. The music is lively and upbeat, with easy challenges for each player, and a triumphal feeling brings the suite to a happy and successful conclusion.

About the Original Publication

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame was first published in 1908 and is based on bedtime stories that the author invented for his young son Alastair. It quickly became a classic children’s novel telling the story of Mole, Ratty and Badger who try to help Mr. Toad after he becomes obsessed with cars and gets into trouble. After many twists and turns, everything turns out well and the story ends with a sumptuous banquet and the four friends live happily ever after.