Peter Lamb: Dowland Doubles for double bass & piano

About the Composition

Composed for Double Bass 2000, Dowland Doubles consists of a theme and variations and is based on a song by the English lutenist-composer John Dowland (1563-1626).

Each variation has its own character and style, with a supportive, colourful and independent accompaniment, contrasting the lively and engaging lyrical solo line. The style is modern but tonal, accessible and immediate, and the edition includes two solo parts for both intermediate and advanced level.

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

“Dowland Doubles in based on the poignant song Tears (anon. 16th-century) by the English composer John Dowland and refers to the term Doubles that later became known as Variations. The percipient observer will detect, in the second variation, a reference to my favourite Bach chorale Es ist genug where I have united Dowland’s moving melodic strands with Bach’s harmonic subtlety in a synthesis which reveals their spiritual affinity.

My aim in the remaining variations has been to provide a balanced participation between the instruments to afford performers of both parts equal fulfilment.” [Peter Lamb, 2002]

Dowland Doubles was premiered on 5 April 2002 by Jacob Head (double bass) and Mark Cracknell (piano) at Downe House School (Newbury, Berkshire, UK), as part of Bass-Fest 2002.

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.