Kuchynka: Concerto in A major for double bass & piano

About the Concerto Kuchynka's Concerto in A major is in three contrasting movements beginning with a lively and virtuosic Allegro moderato which is full of virtuosic fireworks and opportunities for the soloist to demonstrate a virtuoso technique throughout the solo register. The slow movement (Andante cantabile) brims with Czech lyricism, the shortest of the three movements, exploring the sonorous and cantabile qualities of the double bass, contrasting a final movement (Rondo) in 6/8 time which is fast and exciting, bringing the work to a triumphal and successful conclusion.  Kuchynka was obviously a very fine soloist, writing for the entire solo range of the double bass, and the concerto contrasts Czech styles with the musical language of Central Europe in the late-19th and early 20th-century. His technical knowledge of the double bass ensures this is music which offers musical and technical challenges in equal measure.  “About thirty years ago I obtained a copy of the manuscript of C