Tag Archives: concerto

Concerto in D for Viola and Contrabass

Written for and to honor the accomplished career of Scott Slapin, violist, ISG Publications is pleased to announce the New Release of Patrick Neher’s stunningly virtuosic, yet accessible, Concerto in D for Viola and Contrabass with String Orchestra (or Piano). This new concerto for a moderately rare combination of instruments (viola and contrabass duet), is now available in two versions: full orchestra score with soloists and string parts by rental or purchase, and solo parts with piano reduction (see either our viola repertory page or contrabass repertory page). Both the orchestra and piano versions come with a demo recording performed by Scott Slapin, viola, and Patrick Neher, contrabass, with the Bellingham Technical Orchestra strings backing them up.

The piece is playful and energetic with three moderately quick movements, totaling approx. 18 minutes. The level of playing ability required is definitely “Professional” but is a good goal for anyone studying to be a solo violist or bassist (The contrabass part is in regular orchestral tuning. The composer does not recommend solo tuning for this piece, as the harmonic series of the regular open strings is utilized to its potential). Mvt 1 demo. Mvt 2 demo. Mvt 3 demo.

The demo recording can be obtained, gratis, by making an inquiry via our contact page. It will be sent to you via reduced fidelity mp3. Or you can receive a full-fidelity CD in the mail (USA only).

A welcome piece to the viola and bass duet repertory, Patrick Neher’s Concerto in D is an adventurous but enjoyable and rewarding composition with innovative musical development; a truly lyrical modern composition.

Concerto #2 for Contrabass and Orchestra (2016)

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conc2p1Patrick Neher has very recently completed his second concerto for contrabass and orchestra. He also has recorded it, along with Concerto #1 “Pop” on a new demo CD produced by ISG Publications and Bellingham Technical Orchestra (available now).  If you want a demo copy of the CD, please use our inquiry page.

Concerto #2 is a bit more “serious” than Concerto #1 “Pop” and a tad longer. It utilizes the entire range of the double bass and has a special tuning to catch some interesting harmonics (G,D,A,D) but it can be played in regular tuning. The piece is of an expected three-movement structure, Allegro vivace, Lento (Pastoral Potpourri), and Vivace giocoso (Rondo) and orchestrated for full symphony orchestra.

Concert score (13 x 10 inches) and instrumental orchestral parts are now available for rent or purchase.  The solo contrabass part and study score (8.5 x 11 inches) are sold separately. Buy here.

The First Double Bass Concerto!

 

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Patrick Neher has just finished writing his first concerto for double bass. Concerto #1 “Pop” for Contrabass and Orchestra is three movements, playful, energetic, and “not too long”  (12:00 minutes). It is contemporary sounding but very accessible on first hearing with catchy melodies. It is an exciting new piece for the double bass repertory!

Patrick Neher plays Concerto #1 “Pop” for Contrabass and Orchestra, with The Bellingham Technical Orchestra (3rd mvt.). Orchestrated for chamber orchestra (1,1,1,2,2; 1,1,1; tymp, perc,4,4,3,3,2) and solo contrabass, the sheet music, study score with solo part, performance score and parts can by purchased at ISG Publications.
A piano reduction is being created and will be released soon.
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We asked Patrick why, in all his years of composing compositions with double bass, he never wrote a concerto: “I think it is because there are already so many concertos for double bass that really do a good job of showing off a player’s abilities. Before now, I didn’t think I had anything to contribute to the repertory. Now, I have a lot of ideas, and this will not be the only concerto for bass that I will write – promise!”

And why is it subtitled “Pop?” “Well, the second movement is an Elegy to my father who passed away a little more than a year ago. My Pop…. and the composition is very much in a sort-of Hollywood style!”

This new concerto is recommended for adept high-school and college players, as well as for professionals who want to apply their new techniques to a soon-to-be-popular piece!

See more compositions for double bass at ISG Publications