J.J. Quantz: Sonata for double bass & piano (arr. Armand Russell)

About the Composition

This engaging and charming four-movement sonata (Adagio, Allegro, Largo, Presto) by Johann Joachim Quantz offers a new and accessible transcription for the good intermediate bassist who is confident in low thumb position. Available for both solo and orchestral tunings, there are musical and technical challenges in equal measure and much to enjoy for performers and audiences alike. The accompaniment is playable by piano or harpsichord and the limited range of dynamics, which can easily be amended, allow each performer the freedom to create their own unique performance and interpretation.

American composer-bassist, Armand Russell (1932-2023) created a wealth of original music for double bass during a productive seventy year composing career alongside transcribing an impressive number of works for the instrument.

Sonata in G major - orchestral tuning / Sonata in A major - solo tuning

About the Composer

Johann Joachim Quantz was born in Obersheden, Hannover on 30 January 1697 and was a celebrated German flautist, composer and writer. He was a member of the Polish Chapel of Augustus III, working mainly in Dresden, and from about 1740 worked for Frederick the Great in Berlin.

Quantz was a prolific composer, writing primarily for the flute, and composed more than 200 sonatas for flute and continuo, 60 trio sonatas and over 300 fluter concertos. His works contain French and Italian elements reflecting the transition from the late Baroque to the early Classical style.

Quantz died in Potsdam on 12 July 1773.