The Bohemian Bass Book Collection, books 1-3 (ed. David Heyes)

About the Collection

The Bohemian Bass Books celebrate the rich and lyrical tradition of the late 19th-century Czech School of Double Bass, bringing together a remarkable selection of works by its leading figures. Across three volumes, these editions reveal the depth, warmth, and expressive power of the double bass through music that combines romantic lyricism, technical refinement, and deep musical insight.

Each volume is designed for the intermediate to advanced bassist, offering a range of styles from poetic lyricism to dance-inspired vitality. Together, they form a vivid portrait of a golden era in double bass composition, one that shaped the instrument’s identity for generations to come.

What's in the Collection

1. Bohemian Bass Book 1

The Bohemian Bass Book 1 brings together four impressive solo works for double bass and piano by leading members of the late 19th-century Czech School of Double Bass. Aimed at the intermediate-advanced bassist, each piece explores the entire register of the instrument in music in a lyrical and expressive style, emphasizing the cantabile and sonorous qualities of the double bass.

The Bohemian Bass Book 1 is available for both solo and orchestral tuning.

1. František Černý: Danse Caprice
2. František Gregora: Scherzo in A minor
3. Vojta Kuchynka: Andante
4. František [Franz] Simandl: Notturno Op.35

2. Bohemian Bass Book 2

The Bohemian Bass Book 2 continues the celebration of the late 19th-century Czech School of Double Bass, presenting four more expressive works for double bass and piano. Designed for the intermediate to advanced bassist, this second volume showcases music rich in lyricism and romantic character, exploring the full range of the instrument while highlighting its cantabile warmth and resonant depth.

The Bohemian Bass Book 2 is available for both solo and orchestral tuning.

1. František Černý: Mazurka
2. František Gregora: Dumka et Caprice (à la Polka)
3. Vojta Kuchynka: Dumka
4. Rudolf Tuláček: Pohádka (A Fairy Tale)

3. Bohemian Bass Book 3

The final book in the collection is made up of three captivating works for double bass and piano from the late 19th-century Czech School of Double Bass. Aimed at the intermediate to advanced bassist, this volume continues to highlight the lyrical and expressive voice of the instrument through music that balances romantic warmth, melodic depth, and technical refinement.

The Bohemian Bass Book 3 is available for both solo and orchestral tuning.

1. František Černý: Dumka
2. František Simandl: Scherzo Capriccioso Op.72
3. Rudolf Tuláček: Úvod k suitě (Introduction to a Suite)