Solo Contrabass
(2012)
8 minutes
Missing is a setting of the text of “The Missing Piece,” a children’s book by Shel Silverstein. The book contains both humor and wisdom, and I tried my best to capture both of these with the musical setting. The bass player recites the words at the same time as playing, which can be very challenging at times, especially considering that many of the techniques are unusual. The words should be spoken in the same way as one would tell the story – the rhythms and speed and inflections are all up to the discretion of the individual player. The words are placed in the music generally where they should land, with some flexibility. The piece will be most effective when the player is dramatic and “acts” as much as possible. Some of the techniques called for include glissandi, double-stops, triple-stops, harmonics, snap pizz, knocking on wood, playing on the tailpiece, strumming, and random pitches. The performer is encouraged to have fun, and the theatrical element is more important than achieving the exact techniques. Have fun!
Solo Contrabass
(2012)
8 minutes
Missing is a setting of the text of “The Missing Piece,” a children’s book by Shel Silverstein. The book contains both humor and wisdom, and I tried my best to capture both of these with the musical setting. The bass player recites the words at the same time as playing, which can be very challenging at times, especially considering that many of the techniques are unusual. The words should be spoken in the same way as one would tell the story – the rhythms and speed and inflections are all up to the discretion of the individual player. The words are placed in the music generally where they should land, with some flexibility. The piece will be most effective when the player is dramatic and “acts” as much as possible. Some of the techniques called for include glissandi, double-stops, triple-stops, harmonics, snap pizz, knocking on wood, playing on the tailpiece, strumming, and random pitches. The performer is encouraged to have fun, and the theatrical element is more important than achieving the exact techniques. Have fun!
