A Little Suite for Izzy

A Little Suite for Izzy was composed in February 2020 and is dedicated to seven year-old Izzy in Belfast. The five short pieces are played pizzicato throughout, with added percussive sounds to add interest and variety, and the piano accompaniments are aimed at the double bass teacher with some pianistic skills, rather than the virtuoso.

Each piece offers different skills with repetition used to aid the learning process. There are two double bass parts, one played pizzicato and one which includes both pizzicato and arco.

The edition also includes a slightly more advanced bass part which introduces both pizzicato and arco.

1. A Song for Saturday is lively and fun with a syncopated piano accompaniment played entirely in treble clef. The bass part uses three open strings, which should be allowed to ring, and introduces left hand percussion sounds played on the shoulder of the double bass and the ‘boom’ created when the belly of the bass is tapped with the right hand fist.

2. Sunday Morning is slow and easy going. Enjoy a leisurely few hours at home with time to do nothing but relax. The pizzicato notes are generally long and there is plenty of time to chill…

3. Time for Scales was inspired by Izzy practising her piano scales when we stayed with her family. The scales are all played by the piano accompaniment, with a strong and confident double bass part which also adds simple percussion rhythms. The music is fast and fun and should be played with determination and drive.

4. Lullaby introduces a different percussion sound for the bassist. The piano accompaniment is gently moving and supportive, and the piece gradually slows down as if the young bassist is falling asleep.

5. Party Time! has a hoedown feel with a lively and rhythmic piano accompaniment. The bassist plays pizzicato, alongside slapping the strings, with sudden stops in tempo to add drama and excitement. The last two bars bring the piece to a happy and successful conclusion.