John Alexander: libran song for double bass quartet

About the Composition

libran song is a vibrant and engaging piece which is aimed at the intermediate double bass quartet. In one movement, the piece has a rhythmic energy and momentum contrasting a lyrical solo melody which allows the double bass to sing in its highest register. A wealth of colors are explored in music which is instantly appealing to performers and audiences alike.

“There is an overall balance to the simple structure of 'libran song', with an almost chaconne-like extended introduction in slow triple time, consisting of just 4 chords. These chords continue to unfold beneath the melodic line of the verse to the 'song', which is naturally followed by a chorus that uses a modified set of harmonies. The verse then returns with a forceful passion. A coda of similar length to the introduction, but in mostly quadruple time, finally brings the construction inevitable close. Composed for double bass quartet, this piece is warmly dedicated to fellow composer Simón García in celebration of his 40th birthday.” [John Alexander]

About the Composer

John Alexander was born in West Sussex in 1942 and began to compose at the age of 20. At the time he discovered a fascination for art, literature, dance, architecture and sculpture and these topics, along with mathematics, have continued to have a bearing on his work. He studied composition with Edmund Rubbra at the Guildhall School of Music in London, and later with Jonathan Harvey and Peter Wiegold at the University of Sussex.

John Alexander has never been a prolific composer, but an impressive and growing body of work reflects a rare eye for detail and structure - each work beautifully crafted and reworked until every inflection, detail and nuance is perfect. Probably best described as a miniaturist, he writes in a fluent, independent and strongly personal style with an intense desire to create music which communicates to both performer and audience alike.

In 1999 John Alexander won the 1st BIBF Composition Contest and was invited to be a judge for several BIBF competitions. He was a featured composer at Bass-Fest 2001, was an spnm short-listed composer for three years, and was Composer-in-residence at the 2004 Rotterdam Conservatoire Double Bass Weekend, Bass-Fest 2006 and 2007 Wells Double Bass Weekend. His works have been performed and broadcast throughout the world and he has written an impressive and unique body of work for double bass.