Michał Bylina: The Last Stand for double bass quartet

About the Composition

The Last Stand was commissioned by David Heyes as part of 40@40, a project to commission forty new pieces to mark Recital Music’s 40th birthday in 2026.

The Last Stand, lasting around two minutes, depicts a medieval inspired battle where you can hear the preparations, the battle itself, and a dramatic climax followed by a slow and lugubrious chorale at the end. The composer confirms that there are “lots of early music inspirations there but with a modern taste.”

Playable by quartet or larger forces, this is a fun and exciting work which is aimed at the intermediate bass ensemble featuring four parts of different ability levels. Ideal as the final piece in a concert, or as an encore, this is music which has a rhythmic drive and intensity contrasting music of a more lyrical and chordal nature.

About the Composer

Classical bassist, early music bassist, composer and one of the few Viennese bass specialists, Michał Bylina received his Bachelor degree at the Academy of Music in Kraków with Dr. Krzysztof Firlus in 2018, graduating with distinction. Since then he has studied with Korneel Le Compte at Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussels, who described him as: “Exceptionally talented, very enthusiastic, with positive attitude. A model student in all areas.”

Michał was awarded with distinction during the Bonawentura Nancka Double Bass Competition (2015) and the IX International Franz Simandl Double Bass Competition (2018). As a composer, Michał Bylina writes mostly for the double bass. His most important works include Preludes and Fugues, Baroque Fantasias and Ricercars all for double bass solo. His music was recently recognized by Bertram Turetzky, who commented: “Thank you for all that music! I'm overwhelmed with the quality of the music and the extent of your productivity.” Many of his compositions have been premiered in different countries including USA, Germany, Venezuela, Italy and Great Britain.