All at Sea!, subtitled ‘A Nautical Medley’, brings together four sea-themed pieces in a fun and accessible piece for the intermediate double bassist. Remaining in bass clef throughout and with few technical challenges, this is a piece which offers much to performers and audiences alike.
The tunes are expertly linked to create an extended work with a supportive piano part which is written with the teacher, rather than the virtuoso, in mind. An enjoyable piece for young bassists of all ages! The four jolly and rhythmic tunes used are Hearts of Oak, The Arethusa, Tom Bowling and Rule Britannia.
Good stirring music and well written for the progressing young bassist.

Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso is a fun and vibrant piece for the developing young bassist and would be ideal for both study and concert use. The opening introduction has a dark and brooding quality, emphasising the lower register of the double bass in slow and dramatic music, with an effective chordal accompaniment.
The Rondo Capriccioso is fast and lively, with a strong rhythmic momentum which drives through a number of keys before returning to the original melody which powers to a strong and successful conclusion. The music has drive and momentum, would make a fun final piece in a concert or as an encore, and offers much to the young intermediate bassist.
“A bold opening statement is followed by a light-hearted rondo in which the lightly-bowed theme is set off by contrasting cantabile interludes.” [Christopher Field]

MBE Suite features three characteristic and engaging pieces for the intermediate bassist, described by the composer as “occasional pieces written to celebrate a friend and student’s award.” The solo part remains in bass clef, with simple and effective technical challenges alongside colourful and supportive piano accompaniments, and the suite is ideal for any audience or occasion.
The choice of the three dance movements (Musette – Bourrée – Ecossaise) echo the award –
M.B.E (Member of the Order of the British Empire) – creating music of great charm and sincerity. Written in a tonal and traditional style, MBE Suite offers much to players and audiences alike.

Three Character Sketches, composed in 1968/70 and revised in 2010, are short, accessible and colourful pieces for the intermediate bassist. Each bass clef piece offers musical and technical challenges in equal measure exploring a range of styles and idioms, with supportive piano accompaniments which adds interest and contrast.

Suitable for both study and recital repertoire, the range of keys used offers much to the enterprising bassist with the ability to explore and demonstrate the many facets of the double bass in its orchestral register.
1. Contrasts is bold and dramatic, with passages of lyricism and, at 15 bars length, doesn’t outstay its welcome. A powerful opening to the suite.
2. Bitter-Sweet emphasises an E tonality, both minor and major, with lyrical melodies in the minor key contrasting arpeggio-inspired music in the major section, returning to the opening material to end.
3. Clog Dance is lively and fun. A strong rhythmic momentum adds drive and energy and is a successful conclusion to this miniature suite.