Simón García: The River of Life for double bass & guitar

About the Composition

The River of Life is in one extended movement with a lyrical and rhapsodic double bass line partnered by a rhythmic, sometimes dramatic, and supportive guitar accompaniment. Different moods and musical landscapes create a work that emphasizes the many characteristics and possibilities of the double bass throughout its solo range.

Bassist and composer Simón García was born in Mugardos (Spain) in 1977 and graduated in double bass from the Conservatorio Superior of Salamanca. He has worked as a double bassist in the Royal Orchestra of Galicia, having also performed in many orchestras throughout Spain, and is the bassist in the Symphony Wind Orchestra of A. Coruna. His music has been performed in Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay, Denmark, Spain, Japan, Italy, Austria, Germany, Canada, USA, and UK by The Bass Gang, Bass Instinct, and Il Quint-etto amongst others, and some of his music was used as teaching material in the 2011 ISB Year of Collaborative Music.

Simón García’s music is lively, jazzy, and rhythmic with great forward momentum and drive. Accessible for players and audiences alike, he writes colorful music of distinction and energy, employing the entire range of the double bass.

The River of Life can be played with either tuning:
1) Orchestral Tuning - play the double bass part marked 'Orchestral Tuning'
2) Solo Tuning - Guitar uses a Capo on the 2nd fret and plays as usual and the double bassist uses the bass part marked 'Orchestral Tuning'
3) Solo Tuning - the guitar plays without a Capo and the double bassist plays the part marked 'Solo Tuning'