Grade: Intermediate
The planet Jupiter has 16 moons, of which four were discovered by Galileo in 1610. Of these four Galilean satellites, Io is the closest to Jupiter, orbiting the planet every 42 hours. It is slightly larger than our own moon. Io is the most volcanically active body in the Solar System: the liquid sulphur erupts from its molten centre, solidifying to form the red, orange and yellow surface. The large numbers of volcanic flows are so extensive and so frequent that the entire satellite is being resurfaced to an average of one centimetre a year. To quote Ian Ridpath, in Collins' 'Guide to the Stars and Planets' (1986), "Io recycles its interior onto its surface, endlessly turning itself inside out." It is this latter aspect which I have attempted to exploit in this littel piece. [John Alexander]
Io was commissioned by David Heyes for DOUBLE BASS 2000, a project to commission 100 works for double bass over a ten year period, with funds provided by Double Bassist magazine. It was premiered at Trinity College of Music (London) on 8 October 2000 by Viktor Obsust (Double Bass) and Mark Ray (Piano). Io was first published in 'Bass-in-Space' which is no longer in print.
A generally sparse accompaniment allows the double bassist to create long melodic lines and phrases in the orchestral register. The approach is lyrical, but in a modern idiom, and offers effective musical and technical challenges for the adventurous bassist. This would make a useful introduction to contemporary music and utilises a range of playing styles (arco, pizzicato, Bartok pizz, sul ponticello, glissandi) which add contrast and interest to this very accessible and inventive miniature for double bass and piano.
Despatch time for this item is 4-5 working days.
Publisher: Recital Music
RM105
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