Tony Osborne: The Magnificent Seven for 7 double basses

About the Composition

The Magnificent Seven is a fun septet, full of rhythmic invention and vigour. Immediately accessible, this is 'pure Tony Osborne' with much to enjoy for performers and audiences alike. Vibrant and engaging, with a drive and momentum which propels the piece to a fast and rousing conclusion

Tony Osborne writes: "Elmer Bernstein (1922-2004) was one of the great Hollywood composers. In his long and highly successful career he composed some of the most memorable themes and enhanced the atmosphere of many films. He also composed for the concert platform and stage. Named after one of his most important film score, The Magnificent Seven was commissioned by David Heyes - two days before its premiere performance - and performed at Bass-Fest 2004 by seven players from almost as many nations.

Without trying to copy or parody Bernstein's unique style, this piece seeks, in a direct and unpretentious way, to recreate the exciting world of writing a film score: to capture the spirit and story; keep the energy flowing; make it playable - but interesting - with minimum rehearsal time; complete to a short deadline - no problem!

Just let the picture flow by in your mind's eye - TAKE 1 - CAMERA - ACTION!"

The Magnificent Seven was premiered on Monday 23 August 2004 at Bass-Fest 2014 (Sherborne School, Dorset, UK) by David Heyes, Mette Hanskov, Peter Leerdam, Arjen Leendertz, Alexandra Scott, Andreas Bennetzen and Teppo Hauta-aho.

About the Composer

\Born in 1947 into a musical family, Tony Osborne studied at the Royal Academy of Music (London) with John Walton (double bass) and Richard Stoker (composition), and divided a busy career between composing, teaching, and performing. A prolific composer and arranger, Tony's original compositions include works in almost every genre, notably Chaconne Syncopations and Wainwright's Ways for brass

quintet, Celebration Fanfare for brass ensemble, the musical A Fine Time for Wine, a beautiful and dramatic Requiem, and many works for string orchestra. Tony’s music for young bassists is very much at the heart of the teaching repertoire, particularly his jazzy and enjoyable bass trios and quartets, and he had the rare ability to create wonderful music which is always player and audience-friendly.

In 2001 Tony Osborne was elected an ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music) for his pioneering and important work for double bass and was a featured com- poser at Bass-Fest for over ten years. He was a very successful BIBF Composer-in-residence in 2002-3, was a judge for the British Composer Awards and a judge for the BIBF Composition Competition from 1999 until 2015.

Tony Osborne died on 30 March 2019 at the age of 71.