Serge Koussevitsky: Two Salon Pieces for double bass & piano (Op. 1)

About the Pieces

Koussevitsky’s Salon Pieces remain at the heart of the double bass repertoire today, and Recital Music’s new digital publication returns to the original Russian printed editions to create new and exciting versions of these much-loved pieces. Each piece is an exquisite miniature tone poem, typical of salon music at the end of the 19th century, demonstrating the lyrical and virtuosic potential of the double bass throughout its solo register.

Andante Op.1, No.1 

It is the least well-known of the four pieces but is a charming and elegant piece, in ternary form, which harks back to a different age. The themes are stylish and tasteful, played entirely in the solo register of the double bass, with an understated and sympathetic piano accompaniment which adds to the success of the piece.

Valse Miniature Op.1, No.2

It is a stylish and graceful waltz that offers both musical and technical challenges in equal measure. Played primarily in the solo register, this is an entertaining piece which is both player and audience friendly, with an accompaniment which is independent and also supportive. The agitated and dramatic middle section beautifully contrasts the decorous and sophisticated waltz themes, and Valse Miniature is a perfect example of salon music at its very best.

Many bowings and details are inconsistent in the original editions and a number of editorial decisions have been taken to create new versions which hopefully reflect the composer’s original intentions.

The edition includes piano accompaniments for both solo and orchestral tunings.

About the Composer

Serge Koussevitsky was born in Russia in 1871 and was a virtuoso double bassist before becoming the revered conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He studied double bass with Josef Rambousek, joined the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra at the age of 20, and succeeded his teacher as Principal Bass in 1901. He studied conducting in Berlin with Arthur Nikisch, subsequently founding his own orchestra in Moscow and a publishing company to promote and perform the music of many fellow Russian composers. In 1924, Koussevitsky succeeded Pierre Monteux as conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, retiring in 1949. He was one of the most important champions of new music during his tenure in Boston, commissioning music from Aaron Copland, Serge Prokofiev, Paul Hindemith, Igor Stravinsky, Albert Roussel, Bohuslav Martinů, Béla Bartók and many more, and in 1922 he commissioned Maurice Ravel to create an orchestration of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Serge Koussevitsky died in Boston in 1951.

Select the Salon Pieces Bundle

And you'll also receive Koussevitzky's Opus 2 & 4, which includes the Chanson Triste and Humoresque for Double Bass and Piano.