Th.A. Findeisen: Quartet Suite Op.26 for double bass quartet (ed. by David Heyes)

About the Composition Findeisen’s Quartet Suite Op.26 was probably composed in 1933/34 and is aimed at the advanced quartet. In four contrasting movements, the composer uses two tunings - solo tuning for basses 1 & 2 and orchestral for basses 3 & 4 - exploiting the entire range of the double bass. Findeisen combined his skills as a bassist and composer to produce four characteristic and characterful movements, described by Klaus Stoll as 'in the tradition of Max Reger', which are inventive and beautifully written. The spacing between the players ensures a clarity and openness, which isn't always the case with bass quartets. Bass 1 plays in high treble clef throughout, bass 4 remains in bass clef, acting as the foundation of the group, and basses 2 and 3 are somewhere between the two. The first movement (Adagio), in C major, is chorale-like and slow moving, and a slightly more animated middle section contrasts the stillness and stately outer sections. A Menuett & Trio follow