Michal Bylina: Suite in the Olden Style No.1 for Beginner Double Bass Trio

About the Composition

Suite in the Olden Style No.1 remains in bass clef throughout, in G or A minor, and is ideal for the beginner double bass trio and also playable by massed forces. The four engaging movements brim with character and charm offering valuable sight-reading and recital repertoire, with something of interest for each player.

The edition includes a score and parts for both keys and, if played from the score, players are able to change parts on repeats.

“Suite in the Olden Style No.1 was composed in 2013 and is dedicated to my dear friend Tobiasz Michna - a double bass professor in Kalisz and member of Kalisz Philharmonic Orchestra - and his students.

Program Notes

At this time, I was exploring the renaissance and baroque consort music and the works that particularly appealed to me were 'Terpsichore' by Praetorius and 'Tablature' by Jan de Lublin. Having been inspired by these composers and others, I decided to write a suite alla antica which could be played on double bass and also accessible to younger bassists.

This work consists of four contrasting movements, mainly in G or A minor, a resonant and majestic Preludium followed by a lively Galliarde and meditative Ciacona, ending with an elegant Bransle.” [Programme note by Michal Bylina]

Suite in the Olden Style No.1 is also available in a digital edition for the intermediate double bass trio or ensemble.

Suite in the Olden Style No.1 was premiered on Sunday 6 September 2015 at Village Hall, Templecombe (Somerset) by a massed bass ensemble directed by David Heyes.

About the Composer

Classical bassist, early music bassist, composer and one of the few Viennese bass specialists, Michał Bylina received his Bachelor degree at the Academy of Music in Kraków with Dr. Krzysztof Firlus in 2018, graduating with distinction. Since then he has studied with Korneel Le Compte at Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussels, who described him as: “Exceptionally talented, very enthusiastic, with positive attitude. A model student in all areas.”

Michał was awarded with distinction during the Bonawentura Nancka Double Bass Competition (2015) and the IX International Franz Simandl Double Bass Competition (2018). As a composer, Michał Bylina writes mostly for the double bass. His most important works include Preludes and Fugues, Baroque Fantasias and Ricercars all for double bass solo. His music was recently recognized by Bertram Turetzky, who commented: “Thank you for all that music! I'm overwhelmed with the quality of the music and the extent of your productivity.” Many of his compositions have been premiered in different countries including USA, Germany, Venezuela, Italy and Great Britain.