Fritz Kreisler: Praeludium and Not Allegro for solo double bass or bass duet (arr. Alden Cohen)

About the Arrangement

I am pleased to share my arrangement of Fritz Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro, adapted exclusively for the double bass as both a solo work and a duet. Titled Praeludium & Not Allegro, this edition focuses solely on the noble and expressive Praeludium, omitting the Allegro section so that the music’s architectural clarity and lyrical intensity may stand fully revealed on the instrument.

The arrangement preserves the essential character of Kreisler’s original while reimagining the writing to suit the double bass’s range, resonance, and technical demands. Detailed fingerings and position markings are provided throughout, offering practical guidance for advanced students and professionals alike. The solo version presents a complete, self-contained statement of the material and may also be performed with the original piano accompaniment, which is freely available on IMSLP. The duet version distributes the musical roles between two equal parts, creating opportunities for collaborative study and performance.

This edition is intended as a valuable addition to the solo and chamber repertoire for double bass, whether for recital use, teaching studios, or personal study.

About the Arranger

A San Francisco native, Mr. Cohen is a professional double bassist in the San Francisco Bay Area. A graduate of the Peabody Institute (B.M.) and San Francisco Conservatory of Music (M.M.). In 2018, Mr. Cohen won the Oakland Symphony Assistant Principal bass audition. In 2008, he won the Santa Cruz County Symphony principal bass audition. In 2004, Mr. Cohen won a spot on the San Francisco Symphony Double Bass substitute list. He is also a member of the Berkeley Symphony and Modesto Symphony and acting Principal Bass performances with the Berkeley Symphony, Fresno Symphony, Modesto Symphony, Symphony Napa Valley, Pacific Chamber Symphony, San Francisco Lyric Opera and West Bay Opera.

As a soloist, Mr. Cohen performed with Stephen Tramontozzi, San Francisco Symphony Bassist, at the San Francisco Bass Bash in 2016 & 2005. He has also performed with other double bassists for donor parties and other special events. Connect with Alden on his website.