Ruth Gipps: The Ox and the Ass Op. 71 for double bass (or double bassoon) & piano

About the Composition Originally scored for double bass and piano, or double bass and chamber orchestra, this exquisite miniature has a beautiful pastoral mood making great use of the lyrical and singing qualities of the double bass. The poem for the 'Carol' has an obviously Christmas theme, but the piece was intended to be played at any time of year and displays the soulful and cantabile qualities of the double bass throughout its three octave range.  The Ox and the Ass was also arranged for Contra Bassoon and Piano by the composer and it was recorded in 1997 by the American player Susan L. Nigro on Little Tunes for the Big Bassoon (Crystal Records CD348).  The edition is published with piano accompaniments for both solo and orchestral tunings. Also playable by contra-bassoon and piano, and a solo part is included.  A version with chamber orchestra accompaniment is available from Recital Music.  The Ox and the Ass was completed on 26 October 1988 and is dedicated to Russell Killick, w