Roy Hagen: Backyard Basses, 15 Duets for 2 double basses

About the Composition

Backyard Basses is a collection of fifteen fun and entertaining duets for double basses. Written in bass clef, using the middle register of the instrument and a limited number of positions, there are effective and inventive musical and technical challenges for each bassist, embracing a wealth of styles and idioms.

None of the duets outstay their welcome and these are ideal as concert, study and sight reading repertoire, playable by the teacher and student, two students or two friends. Each duet can be repeated, with the bassists changing parts, with opportunities to demonstrate a wealth of colors and timbres alongside a range of playing effects which add contrast and interest.

“Living in a suburb of Boston, my yard can be host to a variety of nature’s creatures. Looking out of my window as I’m having my morning coffee, I’m inspired to create music. Often the animals or birds come in pairs, so composing for two double basses with them as my inspiration seemed natural. All of these short pieces can be played using 1st to 3rd position as they explore different tonalities and meters. More advanced players could experiment playing them in different positions and even an octave higher. They can be programmed as a complete suite or as a few selections together. I hope everyone finds something to enjoy playing and hearing in performance.” [Roy Hagen, October 2025]

About the Composer

Roy Hagen received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Music Theory and Composition from Lowell University. He taught music in the Salem Public Schools and was a private guitar and bass instructor for many years. He sang for ten years in the New England Conservatory Chorus which performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Roy conducted the Polymnia Choral Society in Melrose, MA, and served as Music Director for a local church, directing their choirs and serving as cantor.

Roy began playing duos with his daughter Susan in 2018, playing guitar and electric bass. The duo has performed at Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory, Rochester Bass Retreat, and local venues as well as online streaming performances for the Scandinavian Center and the Sparrow Live Concert Series.