Simon Garcia: Allegretto Scherzante for double bass & piano

About the Composition

Allegretto Scherzante is an engaging and vibrant work for the intermediate bassist. Brimming with rhythmic vitality and energy, it is a high-octane and fun piece which explores much of the solo range of the double bass. The accompaniment is both independent and supportive, adding colour and drive, producing a work which has an immediate performer and audience impact.

This edition includes accompaniments for both solo and orchestral tunings.

"Allegretto Scherzante is inspired by the music of the silent movies, specifically in a drunk scene of "One A.M." by Charlie Chaplin. It was created for a performance with or without a film backdrop and, both versions work well. The piece passes through different moods and styles, including lyrical and rhythmical passages using much of the range of the instrument. It´s a fresh work with a playful spirit, Scherzando." [Simón García]

Allegretto Scherzante was premiered at Bass-Fest 2013 (Silk Mill, Frome) on Sunday 4 August 2013 by Simón García (double bass) and Mark Cracknell (piano).

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 Coruña.

His music has been performed in Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay, Denmark, Spain, Japan, Italy, Austria, Germany, Canada, USA, and UK by The Bass Gang, Bass Instinct, and Il Quint-etto amongst others, and some of his music was used as teaching material in the 2011 ISB Year of Collaborative Music.

Simón García’s music is lively, jazzy, and rhythmic with great forward momentum and drive. Accessible for players and audiences alike, he writes colourful music of distinction and energy, employing the entire range of the double bass.