Harmonious Harmonics: Trios & Quartets for double bass (arranged by David Heyes)

About the Collection

An invaluable book of trios and quartets played entirely in harmonics. They can be performed by a bass orchestra, or single players, and offer a useful and effective introduction to playing simple harmonics in the upper register.

All the arrangements have been successfully played at Bass-Fest and throughout the world, and each piece includes easy lines for the beginner bassist or anyone unsure about harmonics.

The book contains Au Clair de la Lune, Steal Away, Simple Gifts, Kum-ba-ya, Frere Jacques, Salieri's Canon in D major and a three movement Suite for Emma by David Heyes. Suite for Emma was composed for Emma Sullivan, who was directing a double bass workshop in Melbourne (Australia), and is simple and straightforward with three contrasting movements named, Morning, Noon and Night.

A chart of harmonics used for each player is included.

Reviews 

Gary Karr, the world's leading solo double bassist writes: "Two weeks ago my Karr Kampers (19 of them) played your fabulous arrangements of Steal Away and Gift to be Simple...You did a masterful job in making these harmonic arrangements and I am grateful to you for having giving us so much pleasure in performing them."

"With Harmonious Harmonics, David Heyes has produced a set of very short ensemble arrangements - one for trio, seven for quartet - that can be played entirely on the natural harmonics of the double bass. They are suitable for students just starting to explore the harmonics at the end of the fingerboard. 

Rounds such as 'Frere Jacques', 'London's Burning' and a Canon by Salieri are interspersed with simple arrangements of tunes such as 'Au Clair de la lune', 'The Gift to be Simple', the spiritual 'Steal Away' and 'Kum-ba-ya'. There is even a snippet from Lorenziti's Gavotte. 

The arrangements are presented in score format with two copies and no page turns. With the proliferation of conventions, workshops and courses for bass players, these arrangements should be in great demand. While there is nothing intrinsically difficult about playing harmonics on the bass, many methods leave them untouched until the first piece of Bottesini is encountered. 

With material like this available to be devoured on holiday courses, that need no longer be the case." [Double Bassist]

Harmonics for Ensemble Bundle: Includes A Place in New England for double bass sextet and Harmonious Harmonious Harmonics: Trios & Quartets for double bass (arranged by David Heyes)