Giovanni Bottesini
(22 December 1821 – 7 July 1889),
was an Italian Romantic composer, conductor, and a double bass virtuoso
Gran Duo Concertante for Violin and Double Bass
Double Bass – Edgar Meyer, Violin – Joshua Bell, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Conductor – Hugh Wolff
„Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante is effectively a one movement work but divided into three sections, and demonstrates the lyrical and virtuosic possibilities of both instruments. Each player is able to sing beautiful operatic-style melodies, display technical prowess, and work together to produce a work which has stood the test of time. The composer skillfully gives each instrument a time to shine and excel, opportunities to play a more accompanimental role, albeit in a virtuosic style, and the ability to have fun. This is work which is as exciting to play as it is to hear, music which thrills and entertains in equal measure. Almost like an operatic scena, the soprano (violin) and double bass (tenor) produce a story of great imagination and inventiveness on the concert platform, from beauty and pathos to drama, excitement and triumph. Bottesini was a man of the theatre and never more so than in this work of genius.”