Tag Archives: contrabass

Luigi Negri – Romantic Pieces, Second Edition

ISG Publications is pleased to release the Second Edition of Five Romantic Pieces for Contrabass and Piano by Luigi Negri (written circa 1885). These popular pieces, originally and exclusively published by ISG Publications in 2005, and edited by Remo Ricci, have had a face-lift, with a new cover and spiral bound piano part (piano part available for contrabass in orchestral or solo tuning), for easier placement on the piano music stand. In addition, the pages are now the Euro-standard size of 9″ x 12″ (verses our FIrst Edition 10″ x 13″) again, making the sheet music a bit less cumbersome, and easier for us to produce the covers in full color! Both parts have the original title pages reproduced so that the players can be inspired by the hand-written title pages of the 19th century! One final upgrade, all five pieces of Luigi Negri are available in one album. Purchase of the individual pieces will be available until stock is exhausted. After that, only the album of five pieces will be available.

Much like the music of Giovanni Bottesini, Luigi Negri also adapted many opera tunes of his day, for contrabass. Negri was a student of the same teacher as Bottesini, and was well known in his time for his virtuoso performances and inspiration teaching. For many bassists, the music of Negri is more accessible and welcome diversion from that of Bottesini.

ISG Publications is the sole world-wide publisher of these five romantic pieces: Capriccio “Rigoletto”, Fantasia “Sonnambula”, Capriccio “Alisir d’Amore”, Fantasia “Poliuto”, and Reminiscenze “Stabat Mater” (original vocal works by Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, and Rossini)

For Purchase go to the Contrabass Solos page of ISG Publications

Progressive and “Divertimento” Duets for Bassists

ISG Publications Progressive Duets for Bassists

Available now with a discount for buying all three volumes, purchase 21 Progressive and Divertimento Duets for Bassists on ISG Publications Premiere Pedagogy page, or the contrabass in ensembles page.

In collaboration with Editor, Cielito de Jesus, Patrick Neher has composed three volumes of progressive duets for bass students and teachers. The 21 duets span a plethora of techniques and musical styles, with Volume 1 being the most simple – with 9 titles, focusing on bow control and in the Rabbath 3rd, 4th, and 1st left hand positions. Volume 2’s six titles introduce more challenging left hand melodies in additional positions, with additional bow rhythm development. Volume 3 focuses each bass player on performance and developing their musical interpretations skills. For a total of 21 progressive, tuneful, and contemporary duets, this publication is unique in the world of bass pedagogy and is considered a “must have!” by numerous teachers:

See Jason Heath’s review of the Duets.
AND Here’s what teachers are saying about the new 21 Progressive and Divertimento Duets:

“As a big fan of Patrick Neher’s composition style, I’m excited to see these progressive duets! They add a rich and much needed companion to the George Vance Progressive Repertoire that all bassists can enjoy.” ~ Johnny Hamil, Young Bassist Teacher and Artistic Director, KCBassworkshop

“Patrick Neher’s 21 Progressive and “Divertimento” Duets for Bassists are a valuable new resource for double bass students. These charming pieces are set in the Rabbath/Vance positions and progress from open strings and simple motions into increasingly complex pieces. These pieces are filled with character and a diverse range of musical ideas, and they are sure to bring joy to any bassist who plays them. Highly recommended!” ~ Jason Heath, Contrabass Conversations

“These duets are great! What a fantastic addition to our repertoire. There’s something here for bassists of all levels – from simple, one-position tunes to complex concert music for virtuosos of the instrument. There’s a good mix of keys, meters and techniques that will provide students and teachers alike with a good challenge, and I can’t wait to start using them in my own teaching. Thanks, Patrick!”  ~ Ted Botsford, LA Philharmonic, Occidental College, Colburn School

Available now with a discount for buying all three volumes, purchase 21 Progressive and Divertimento Duets for Bassists on ISG Publications Premiere Pedagogy page, or the contrabass in ensembles page.


New Release: Pedagogy Series, Double Stop Study #1

Patrick Neher has released his new Double Stop Study no. 1 for Contrabass. As an additional title to the Premiere Pedagogy Series of innovative study works, this new etude is also perfect for concert. It’s a 7 minute work that covers the entire range of the double bass, both technically and musically. Double Stop Study no. 1 is a perfect piece for bassists wanting to learn how to play double stops in a contemporary style, while honing their musical interpretation chops!

Purchase the sheet music on ISG Publication’s contrabass page or pedagogy page.

NEW RELEASE for Bass Duet

Patrick Neher – April in G for Contrabass Duet

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April was supposed to be a beautiful month of creative endeavors, concerts, and flowering trees. Instead it is a bit dreary – never the less, Patrick Neher has composed a wonderfully fun duet for double bass players, April in G. The composition uses the entire range of the bass (of course) and explores passionate lyricism, virtuosic technique, and expansive chordal textures. The piece is truly fun to play and to listen to, but requires a professional skill level of playing (or of those aspiring to be professional).

A challenging and fun new duet for the repertory, April in G is ready to be performed when we start going to concerts again.

Purchase the sheet music (basses in ensembles) here.

Sonatina #4 for Contrabass

Patrick Neher’s latest opus is Sonatina #4 for Contrabass and Piano. This lyrical but virtuosic work is about 24 minutes total and includes two movements: February (Moderato, rhapsodic and very lyrical) and March (Allegro vivace giocoso). Completed in January of 2019, the Sonatina was written for the Dixie State University bass festival (February, 2019), and is dedicated to composer and bass player, Frank Proto. See video example. Buy the sheet music here.

ISG Publications Launches New Web Site

Our new web site: ISG Publications / ISG Music Promotions has just been launched! See the new look at: https://isgpublications.com or https://isgmusic.com.

This new look and organization makes it easier for users to review and purchase our exclusive sheet music and recordings. It has been a long time since the site was updated and the update allows for easier perusal of our titles. More detail about our composers, and more detail about each composition is provided. And we will be adding more and more previews or example performances. Finally, we will be adding more PDF, downloadable titles over the next few months (saves on shipping costs and can be printed at home. If you use an iPad for performance – our PDF downloadable sheet music is perfect!)

If you are one of our composers, please contact us. We need to update your biography and contact information. Email us at info@isgpublications.com

Romance for Contrabass and Orchestra

Romance for Contrabass and Orchestra, by Patrick Neher (2018) This short (7:30) vignette is not a difficult piece. Orchestra is small: One of each: oboe, bassoon, clarinet, trumpet, euphonium (or bass trombone), tuba, tympani, triangle, and a moderate strings section.

This piece is published in three additional formats:
~ for solo cello and orchestra.
~ for solo bass and small wind ensemble
~ for chamber orchestra alone (no soloist)

Go to our purchase site to rent or buy

Acoustic Art Studio

AASpicISG Publications / ISG Music Promotions  recording studio, Acoustic Art Studio has returned to Bellingham, Washington. We produce Premiere Recordings for Acoustic Musicians. We produce audio and video recordings that focus on jazz, classical, folk, and other acoustic productions. We respect the performance creations of acoustic artists and support their “sound.” Our studio is perfect for recording quintets to solos, audition “tapes,” demos, coachings, master classes, workshops, lectures, voice-overs, commercials, and any production where “live” acoustic and video recording is necessary. We also do remote audio and video recordings in your space, at your music or dance recital or concert, at your lecture or demonstration, for YouTube or other productions.

You have trained to be an expressive musician. We support that, and we enhance your art; letting YOU establish all performance parameters of balance, dynamics, and nuance. We do not process your group’s sound (unless YOU want it!). For musicians and other artists, we can come to you, and we can produce tele-recording projects (multiple remote locations connected).

For more information on production rates, times, schedule, publishing and marketing, etc., go to acousticartstudio.com

 

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

Dittersdorf Sonata for viola & contrabass, or 2 basses

DittersdorfKarl Ditters Von Dittersdorf composed this Sonata in Eb for viola and contrabass sometime in the 1780s. This new edition is a completely revised editing and arrangement of the work. The editing, done by Patrick Neher, professor of music, takes into account the two existing scores of the piece and adapts much to accommodate the modern double bass. It is thought that the music was composed for the Viennese Contrabass, tuned in D major. So, an edition for two basses has been produced as well. Both editions are available NOW!

DittersPg1To order the new edition of the Dittersdorf Sonata in Eb for viola and contrabass, or the Sonata in D for two contrabasses, go to our sheet music sales site:
ISG Publications

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ISG Publications publishes interesting sheet music for concert, and some pedagogical works. All of our titles have cello or double bass play prominent roles, and provide substantial challenge to the players to keep musicians and audience engaged for years.

Findeisen “Nixenreigen Fantasie”

Theodor Albin Findeisen (1881-1936) wrote Nixenreigen Fantasie, for double bass and piano, around 191Findeisen-Portrait0-1912, and the work is his Opus 9. Dr. Robert Matheson, bassist, composer, arranger, and professor has brought this and other works of Findeisen to light in his doctoral thesis.  Dr. Matheson has chosen ISG Publications to disseminate Findeisen’s compositions, that have been out of print or were never published.

Findeisen’s music represents the only compositions for solo double bass from the early twentieth century’s compositional style akin to Richard Strauss or early  Schoenberg. It is rich, full, romantic, and challenging, with full use of chromaticism and counterpoint.

“Nixenreigen” is based on a poem that tells of a musician’s walk home one night through the woods, when met by fairies frolicking about and dancing to his music. To have the double bass play the lead role in this story is quite a feat in itself. The entire range of the instrument is utilized in the composition, and even though the lyricism is beautiful, it is a wonderful technical challenge for any student or professional bassist.

ISG Publications is proud to present this newly published composition.