Dialogues With Double Bass
Destined by sheer size to hold up a whole orchestra, the double bass is rarely encountered in solo or chamber music. But on this record, Jeremy McCoy, Assistant Principal bassist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, proves that this mighty monster will let a great player perform fascinating technical feats and elicit sounds of astonishing beauty and variety. Collaborating with equally brilliant partners, he displays his instrument's infinite resources, as well as his own stunning virtuosity and stylistic versatility; the program--partly original, partly transcribed--ranges from Baroque, real and faux, to the present. Two charming Italian "Duettos" sound like parodies of grand opera: Bottesini's, himself a great bassist, for two basses, and Rossini's, for cello and, incredibly, a three-stringed bass. Both include singing slow movements, bouncy finales and dazzling pyrotechnics. Jazz bassist and composer John Patitucci contributes two pieces: one rhythmically spicy, one lyrical. A Telemann Canonic Sonata, familiar on flutes or violins, growls on bassoon and bass; Martin Dalby's Scottish-influenced "Rant" features sound effects for flute and bass. Duets by Gliére and Elgar, with viola and trombone respectively, are lovely. In Jean Francaix's brilliant "Duo Baroque," the bass and harp make fun of themselves and each other, but the joke goes on too long. This record will leave you smiling with admiration and delight.--Edith Eisler