Eduard Stein: Konzertstuck Op.9 for double bass & piano

About the Composition

Konzertstück (Concert Piece) was premiered at a Loh Concert (Sondershausen, Germany) on 17 September 1854 and is originally for double bass and orchestra. Written in a theme and variation format, this is a lively and technical workout for the double bassist, primarily across the middle range of the instrument, with many opportunities to display both a musical and technical prowess.

Composed in a romantic style, the opening introduction is dramatic and imposing before a cadenza and extended recitative section for the bassist leads into a lyrical theme followed by three substantial variations and a powerful coda.

The music is well written for the double bass, brimming with scale and arpeggio figurations, alongside moments or a more lyrical and cantabile nature. It was a particular favourite of Serge Koussevitsky, during his early years as a double bass virtuoso, including performances in Russia, Leipzig, Vienna, Paris and Berlin.

Konzertstück was be an ideal showpiece for the intermediate bassist and this new edition includes versions for both solo and orchestral tunings.

About the Composer

Eduard Stein (1818-1864) was a German conductor, composer and Music Director of the Loh-Orchester Sondershausen. Initially, he began to study theology at Leipzig University but under the influence of Heinrich Marschner and Felix Mendelssohn he abandoned this in favour of musical training. In January 1853 he was appointed Fürstlicher Hofkapellmeister in Sondershausen, a position he held until his death on 16 March 1864, at the age of 45 years.