Eric Hansen: Hang On! for double bass trio

About the Composition

Hang On! is an exciting, vibrant and rhythmically charged piece, remaining in bass clef throughout, which would be ideal for the intermediate double bass trio. Different playing effects add colour and contrast, alongside multiple time changes which create energy pushing the music to a powerful and positive conclusion.

“Like a driving “toccata” about three friends out for a little jaunt, their playful somewhat competitive banter - each challenging the other to keep up - underscores their joy in just being together and having fun as they make their way through various shapes and textures!” [Eric Hansen]

Hang On! was commissioned by David Heyes to celebrate Recital Music’s 40th birthday in 2026. It was completed on 3 January 2025.

About the Composer

Eric Hansen has been Professor of Double Bass at Brigham Young University since 2001. Ensemble experience includes positions with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, the Baltimore Opera, the Richmond Symphony, the National Chamber Orchestra, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Musick Barock Ensemble, and engagements with the Funkhausorchester of the WDR Cologne, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and ongoing with the Utah Symphony.

An active recitalist and clinician, Eric has performed/worked across the U.S., Canada, Poland, Austria, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Costa Rica, Montenegro, Georgia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, China, and Russia. He received both a BM and MM degrees from the Peabody Conservatory, and did DMA studies at the University of Maryland College Park.

His primary teachers were Audrey Bush, Eugene Levinson, and Hal Robinson.