A Small Suite

Description

• Composer: Peter Lamb
• Publisher: Recital Music

This suite of five short pieces is aimed at the beginner bassist and only uses half and first positions with piano accompaniments which are simple, lyrical and effective. Pizzicato and arco techniques are used, with simple musical and technical challenges, and the style is approachable and enjoyable with colourful harmonic touches to offer interesting concert or exam repertoire for the beginner bassist. The suite is dedicated to the 12-year old Sophie Heyes. 'A Small Suite is an attractive collection of five short pieces for the beginner who has learnt to play in first position (Simandl) and who has someone to accompany them on the piano.Much of the melodic and harmonic interest lies in the piano part, so these works may be less attractive when played on the bass alone. The young performer will need the essential skill of counting rests and a feeling for ensemble playing to play these works successfully. All are in first position and combine arco and pizzicato styles of playing, and would make useful concert miniatures.' [Double Bassist] [Grade 1 & 2 - Trinity-Guildhall] Performance Level: Beginner; 1; 2. Peter Lamb was born in London in 1925 and studied composition at Trinity College of Music, subsequently with Arthur Benjamin, and was awarded a Fellowship of Trinity College for his First String Quartet. He has combined a busy career as a professional composer and music administrator, initially working for two international record companies before an appointment as Deputy Manager of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Here he worked on programme building with the eminent conductor Constantin Silvestri, and also helped to establish the Bournemouth Sinfonietta. For ten years he was Head of Music at Peter Symonds' College in Winchester and, prior to his retirement, lectured at the University of Southampton for eight years. Peter Lamb's music has been performed worldwide, from Britain, France and Sweden, to Brazil, Canada and America, and significant works include a Flute Sonata,Flute Sonatina, Duologue for oboe and piano, a String Quartet, Concerto for viola and string orchestra, Wind Quintet, and many unaccompanied choral works. His compositional style combines a quintessentially English quality with a clarity of line and expression, incorporating a rich and varied harmonic palette and a gallic charm, producing music of strong character and distinction. In recent years Peter Lamb has written a number of works for double bass - for players of all ages and abilities - helping to increase the quality and breadth of modern English music for the instrument.