Next week, the SCO will perform a concert that is out of the ordinary. Entitled Bass Notes, it will include the world premiere of a new double bass concerto by Icelandic composer Haflidi Hallgrímsson. Haflidi has had a close relationship with the orchestra for many years as a former principal cellist, and his concerto 'Sonnambulo' is dedicated to SCO double bassists Adrian Bornet - who suggested that Haflidi write such a work - and Nicholas Bayley, SCO soloist and Principal Bass. Here Haflidi talks a bit about his piece:
"No string instrument of the orchestra is as elusive and mysterious as the double bass. By adding 'Sonnambulo' [meaning Sleepwalker] to the title, I have given myself an opportunity to enter the dark and mysterious world of sleep and strange dreams. My task is to compose music worthy of this instrument - which is so shy of the limelight - and to dream up interesting music, but remain at the same time 'profoundly awake'."
We asked Nicholas Bayley to tell us about his double bass, and give us an idea of what it's like to be a soloist with the SCO.
On performing as a soloist with the SCO...
"The double bass is rarely heard as a solo instrument and often people expect a low, grumpy sounding growl and nothing else. But actually it can have a charming and beautiful sound if played well. When performing as a soloist I feel quite a responsibility because I'd like to be able to show people just how lovely it can sound… When I'm soloist with the SCO the only thing I have to worry about is playing my part well, because I know my colleagues always provide the perfect support for any soloist."
On his double bass...
"I was keen to commission a new instrument and tried many instruments from today's leading makers. The basses by George Stoppani in Manchester were among the best I tried and so I had one made for me in 2002. When I played it for the first time I instantly loved it. It has a warm, rich and powerful sound. Ironically George isn't so keen on making basses, as he says it gives him a sore back! A couple of years ago I had an accident and fell on it, completely damaging the front, but after George repaired it, it sounded even better than it did before."
And, another SCO-first: we're giving away two pairs of tickets via a treasure hunt. It's part of The Lost Book, an animated web series where the audience writes the story. Two players from the orchestra (flautist Alison Mitchell and cellist Su-a Lee, who have both performed on The Lost Book soundtrack) have each hidden a Canongate novel in secret locations in Glasgow and Edinburgh this week. Each book contains a pair of tickets to the Bass Notes concerts. We'll be revealing clues to the location of the books online this Friday 1 May, at The Lost Book - www.thelostbook.net (a previous Gatekeeper's Site of the Week).
So, keep an eye on www.thelostbook.net to pick up the clues to find the treasure!
BASS NOTES
KODÁLY Dances of Galánta
HALLGRÍMSSON 'Sonnambulo' Concerto Op 42 for Double Bass and Chamber Orchestra World premiere
BARTÓK Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste (Sz 106)
Baldur Brönnimann, conductor
Nicholas Bayley, double bass
Friday 8 May, 7:30pm GLASGOW City Halls
Tickets £12, concessions available: Glasgow's Concert Halls Box Office 0141 353 8000
Saturday 9 May, 7:30pm EDINBURGH Queen's Hall
Tickets £12, concessions available: Queen's Hall Box Office 0131 668 2019
Lucy Perry is the Education Director of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Related links:
Adventurer concert: Bass Notes
Queen's Hall What's On
