Simón García: Echoes & Shadows for 2 double basses & piano

About the Composition

Echoes & Shadows is originally for 12 double basses and was newly arranged for the German bassist, Manuela Uhlmann, by the composer. Aimed at the intermediate-advanced bassists, the piece is rhythmically exciting, exploring a wealth of colors and timbres, alongside the energy and excitement which is typical of Simón García’s music.

A Note from Simón

When I received the proposal from David Heyes to write a piece for twelve basses to end my BASS2014 concert I thought it a brilliant idea. The first word that came into my mind when thinking of twelve basses was 'noise', so I started looking for the opposite sounds. Would it be possible for twelve basses to sound kindly or gentle? That was my challenge! I started creating a minimalist soundscape, highly enriched rhythmically with harmonics which would work well. I searched through various types of pizzicato sounds but these created 'noise' rather than my original target. I needed a more 'brilliant' sound, so I opened the case of my old electric mandolin and started to play my bass with the pick. That was what I needed!

Finally, the piece consists of a powerful melody that passes among all players over a harmonic and rhythmical ostinato. It is a piece full of contained energy, highly rhythmic, and timbral richness. We asked friends on Facebook to suggest a title and received 70 entries, and the winning title was by Chino Chinoski Parrilla from Galicia (Spain)."

This edition includes accompaniments for both solo and orchestral tunings.

About the Composer

Bassist and composer Simón García was born in Mugardos (Spain) in 1977 and graduated in double bass from the Conservatorio Superior of Salamanca. He has worked as a double bassist in the Royal Orchestra of Galicia, having also performed in many orchestras throughout Spain, and is the bassist in the Symphony Wind Orchestra of A. Coruna. He has collaborated with many musicians and ensembles, particularly in the field of contemporary music, and has recorded and performed on many commercial recordings and for television and radio broadcasts.