Peter Lamb: A Small Suite for Beginner Double Bass & Piano

About the Composition

These five short and engaging dances are aimed at the beginner bassist, using a limited number of notes, rhythms and keys, with simple but supportive piano accompaniments. Each movement has its own message and character, encouraging the bassist to develop ensemble skills from the earliest stages and to experiment with simple arco and pizzicato techniques.

The movement order can be changed to suit each player and the suite is ideal as both educational and first concert repertoire.

A Small Suite was composed in early 2004 and was premiered by Sophie Heyes (double bass) and David Heyes (piano) on 20 June 2004 at Bruton School for Girls (Bruton, Somerset).

Table of Contents

1. Graceful Gavotte

2. Tranquillity

3. A Sad Sarabande

4. Allemande Ancien

5. Greek Folk Song

About the Composer

Peter Lamb was born in London in 1925 and studied composition at Trinity College of Music, subsequently with Arthur Benjamin, and was awarded a Fellowship of Trinity College for his String Quartet No.1.

Peter combined a busy career as a professional composer and in music administration, initially working for two international record companies before an appointment as Deputy Manager of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He worked on programme building with the eminent conductor Constantin Silvestri, and also helped to establish Bournemouth Sinfonietta. For ten years he was Head of Music at Peter Symonds’ College in Winchester and, prior to his retirement, lectured at the University of Southampton for over eight years.

Peter Lamb’s music has been performed worldwide and his compositional style combines a quintessentially English quality with a clarity of line and expression, incorporating a rich and varied harmonic palette, producing music of strong character and distinction.

Peter Lamb died in 2013.