George Speed Releases “Bass Favorites and Transcriptions from the 18th Century”
If you’re looking to explore early works for the double bass, you’ll want to check out George Speed’s new album. Bass Favorites and Transcriptions from the 18th Century features his exquisite playing accompanied by pianist Heidi Louise Williams.
Speed, who is an Assistant Professor at Florida State University, performs works by Beethoven, Boccherini, Dragonetti, and Sperger. While the Dragonetti and Sperger pieces were written for bass, Beethoven’s “Romance in C Major” was written for violin, and Boccherini’s “Sonata in A Major” was conceived for violin. Speed’s agility and expressive playing prove the bass can take the spotlight just as much as its smaller counterparts.
Hear the lively second movement of the Boccherini composition:
Bass Favorites and Transcriptions from the 18th Century is available now on CD and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).
Bass Favorites and Transcriptions from the 18th Century Track List:
- Andante & Rondo: I. Andante
- Andante & Rondo: II. Rondo
- Cello Sonata in G Major, G. 9: I. Andantino
- Cello Sonata in G Major, G. 9: II. Adagio
- Cello Sonata in G Major, G. 9: III. Tempo di menuetto amoros
- Romance in F Major, Op. 50
- Cello Sonata in A Major, G. 4: I. Adagio
- Cello Sonata in A Major, G. 4: II. Allegro moderato – Affetuoso
- Sonata in B Minor, T. 36: I. Allegro moderato
- Sonata in B Minor, T. 36: II. Adagio
- Sonata in B Minor, T. 36: III. Allegro
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
Love seeing this devotion to classical double bass!