Wendell Rosa: Ballade in A minor for solo double bass

About the Composition

Ballade in A minor was composed in 2020 while I was trying to understand what was going on in Brasil. It was a really sad moment but I was decided to compose this piece as a new challenge to my double bass skills and sounding possibilities.

I can remember that I was really inspired by the Glazunov violin concerto, Ysaye violin sonatas, and a Brasilian song called “Manhã de Carnaval” which I used as the main material for the opening phrase.

More than a technical challenge. It is trying to transmit musicality through the double bass using idiomatic possibilities truly researched in order to sound good to both classical and non-classical audiences.

I hope you enjoy it!

-Wendell Rosa