Miloslav Gajdos: Variations for Double Bass & Piano

About the Composition Variations is a great addition to the solo repertoire for the intermediate bassist and is written almost exclusively in bass clef. An engaging and innovative theme and variations make effective use of the orchestral register of the double bass and there are countless opportunities to explore both technical and musical issues. Most of the technical work is given to the bassist with a simple but strongly supportive piano accompaniment. “In 1968, at a Summer Music School in České Budějovice, I wrote a free improvisation for guitar which was later developed into a theme (in a minor key) and three variations. The piece was never completed and a few years later I rewrote it for double bass, although much of the original material was discarded at the time." The original theme, with its subtle Paganini-like style was retained, and new variations were added to utilise the expressive and technical capabilities of the double bass. It also echoes back to the Concert Variation