Boosey & Hawkes
Igor Stravinsky: Suite italienne for double bass and piano (arr. Brian Powell)
Igor Stravinsky: Suite italienne for double bass and piano (arr. Brian Powell)
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Preface
This transcription of Suite italienne is the first full-scale composition by Igor Stravinsky to enter the double bass solo repertoire. The prominent role of the double bass in Pulcinella Suite (the source of the Suite italienne arrangements) further makes it a work that is both readily recognisable and of particular interest among bassists. In preparing this transcription the historical and compositional methods regarding Pulcinella Suite have been thoroughly researched with the intention of creating a new Suite italienne that reflects as much of Stravinsky’s music and style as possible.
The existing versions of Suite italienne, for violin and for cello, have been adapted according to what best suits the double bass. Some of the movements are a hybrid of the violin and cello versions, while others are drawn solely from one arrangement. Wherever there were passages unplayable on the bass, I was able to identify and apply eleven different arrangement techniques used by Stravinsky in his earlier transcriptions in order to produce satisfactory musical and technical solutions.
The entire suite includes eight complete movements with the same number of measures and the same melodic material as the originals. Because the suite possesses all movements from both the violin and cello versions, as well as a unique selection of its own, this is a much larger work than its predecessors. The movement titles in concert order are: Introduzione, Serenata, Aria, Vivo, Tarantella, Gavotta con due variazione, Scherzino, Minuetto e Finale.
The Vivo movement is a unique contribution to the various editions of Suite italienne and is derived directly from the orchestral Pulcinella Suite. Over the piano reduction of the score, the bass carries the melody exactly as it does in the orchestral suite. In choosing to include this movement, I am continuing a practice Stravinsky established with his instrumental collaborators (Samuel Dushkin and Gregor Piatigorsky) of allowing the performers to select material from the ballet that is incorporated into the suite. This movement is widely recognised by classical bassists as one of the most significant double bass solos in the entire orchestral repertoire.
Suite italienne for double bass and piano has music selections that will appeal to bassists of various performance levels. Solo, chamber and orchestral bassists alike will appreciate different aspects of this music. The suite also possesses an abundance of flare and technical virtuosity that will excite audience listeners.
-Brian Powell
What You'll Receive
You are receiving a digital copy of the double bass and piano part. To purchase a hard copy of the work, please visit Boosey & Hawkes.
About Brian Powell
Dr Brian Powell is Associate Professor of Double Bass and String Music Education at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami. Brian maintains an active performance schedule as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician.
A former member of The New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, he has also performed with many of the most prominent conductors and professional orchestras. He has received recognition in several solo competitions, including his win at the Aspen Music Festival Double Bass Solo Competition. Brian has also performed and recorded with chamber ensembles such as the Amernet and Bergonzi String Quartets, and several of his solo and chamber arrangements have been published.
In addition to his performing projects, Brian has served as a guest bassist and teacher clinician, honors orchestra conductor and performance adjudicator at venues throughout the United States and abroad.
