From Newton Classics comes an innovative new compilation: fourteen ‘songs’, all transcribed for double bass, hailing from countries all over the world.
Compiled by the performer Sciascia, the release effectively sweeps across mainland Asia detailing works taken from the Far East, Europe and the Middle East. From Max Bruch’s highly sentimental Kol Nidrei, originally written for cello and orchestra and based on two Jewish themes, to Spain’s intoxicating Cancion de Amor, the CD documents a wealth of traditional melodies. Also featured are more recent contributions – such as the Japanese Aijyou (meaning ‘friendship’), which Yoshihiro Utsumi wrote especially for the bassist.
Providing a fascinating insight into the variety of culture found across the globe, Sciascia blends the familiar with the lesser known to present a compilation that brims with colour.
The talented bassist’s choice of cantabile repertoire reflects his long-standing wish to play the double bass as if it were a human voice, and he has achieved just that: this is an admirable follow-up to Sciascia’s last Bottesini recording for Newton, revealing once again how an instrument not generally associated with solo repertoire is capable of holding its own – and to great effect.
Stefano Sciascia was born in 1960 and took up the bass at the age of sixteen. He is now a busy and much-recorded bass soloist, who has formed numerous ensembles and published many collections of arrangements and original works.
