Simón García: Time Capsule for double bass octet

About the Octet

Time Capsule was commissioned for Bass-Fest 2013 by David Heyes with funds provided by master-luthier, Martin Penning. In one extended movement, Time Capsule is a fun and engaging work, combining jazz, classical and modern styles in a work of great energy and animation. For the many worldwide fans of Simón García’s music - you will love this piece.

Time Capsule tells a story that I created. I wrote the piece for Bass-Fest 2013, which took place in August in Somerset (UK), and I was very inspired by Wells Cathedral, a few miles from Frome. Time Capsule is written with only one theme which is used with different elements, thematic development and sonorities. The piece has a variety of timbres and textures, using the many different sounds and possibilities of the instrument.

Time Capsule tells of a monk from Wells Cathedral who, before being killed 200 years ago, hid a mysterious document within the walls of the cathedral. Today, years afterwards, a bass student from Wells Cathedral School discovers it. This mysterious document will be the main theme that will serve as a common thread throughout the piece. [Programme note by Simón García]

Time Capsule was premiered on Wednesday 7 August 2013, during the closing concert at Bass-Fest 2013 (Silk Mill, Frome, Somerset), by Dan Styffe, David Heyes, Claus Freudenstein, Eloise Riddell, Josie Jobbins, Teppo Hauta-aho, Simon Garcia and Ben Groenevelt.

Full Score and Parts included.

About the Composer

Bassist and composer Simón García was born in Mugardos (Spain) in 1977 and graduated in double bass from the Conservatorio Superior of Salamanca. He has worked as a double bassist in the Royal Orchestra of Galicia, having also performed in many orchestras throughout Spain, and is the bassist in the Symphony Wind Orchestra of A Coruña.

His music has been performed in Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay, Denmark, Spain, Japan, Italy, Austria, Germany, Canada, USA, and UK by The Bass Gang, Bass Instinct, and Il Quint-etto amongst others, and some of his music was used as teaching material in the 2011 ISB Year of Collaborative Music.

Simón García’s music is lively, jazzy, and rhythmic with great forward momentum and drive. Accessible for players and audiences alike, he writes colourful music of distinction and energy, employing the entire range of the double bass.