Divergent Dances is a vibrant and engaging work for the intermediate double bassist. It is in one extended movement, with clearly defined sections, and the…
Divergent Dances is a vibrant and engaging work for the intermediate double bassist. It is in one extended movement, with clearly defined sections, and the bass part remains in bass clef throughout. Divergent Dances has an independent and supportive accompaniment which creates both clarity and lucidity, and the contrasting slow and fast sections create variety and interest. There is a rhythmic energy, alongside accessible musical and technical challenges, and would be ideal for a player who isn’t playing in thumb position yet.
Divergent Dances was composed for Fizz@50, a project to commission fifty short pieces for double bass and piano from composers throughout the world, instigated by David Heyes to celebrate his 50th birthday. Each composer received a bottle of champagne (Fizz) as payment.
This edition is only available in orchestral tuning.
Divergent Dances is divided into six sections of which the odd numbered sections are rather slow and the even numbered ones much faster. The three odd numbered sections are first a theme and then two variations. The three even numbered sections are named as Fast Dance 1, 2 and 3. Each one is different but use very similar ways of creating their themes using steps and small skips, often in succession. The overall effect of the form is that of a small rondo (ABACAD). Each of the sections uses a different diatonic mode. These are, in order G Phrygian, E Aeolian, D Ionian, F Mixolydian, A Dorian and G Lydian.
The sections alternate approaches to interpretation as well as tempos. The odd numbered sections and lyrical and more expressive and the odd numbered sections more rhythmic. Throughout, but especially in the odd numbered sections, there is a need for the player to decide whether to finger the music to achieve a darker effect, using cross strings in higher positions, or a brighter effect with more shifts which use lower positions when possible. This is the player’s choice and may be played differently in different sections or for each performance. The music does not use thumb position.’ [Armand Russell]
Divergent Dances was premiered by Nic Lum (double bass) and Gemma Beeson (piano) at Wells Cathedral School (Somerset, UK) on Sunday 2 October 2011.
