Basso Music | Offering the Finest in Bass and Cello Ensemble Music

The result of an almost-40-year dream, exists to bring you the finest in music for Bass Ensemble, Bass and Orchestra, and Cello Ensemble. We are inspired by the ideals of two great Bass pioneers of the 20th century: the late Frederick Zimmermann (New York Philharmonic, Juilliard School) and John F. Mathews (Baltimore Symphony, Peabody Conservatory).

alt= "Mr. Z", as he was affectionately called by his students, was a legendary teacher who introduced the concept of several basses playing in consort as a means of teaching musicianship, as well as a prolific author and editor of Bass music.

alt= Mr. Mathews, the first American to concertize in Europe as a Bass soloist, has preserved and passed on the tradition of excellence inherited directly from Koussevitsky through student-teacher lineage.

The arrangements offered by are intended for concert performance, classroom study, or merely musical fulfillment among colleagues of various levels of experience. A sample page of each publication is available (see Catalog) in order to help determine the level of expertise involved. Several publications are available in a lower key. Our aim is to help teacher, student, amateur and professional in whatever way possible. If you have a specific request or idea for an arrangement, let us know!

is a tour-de-force operatic Fantasy in the grand tradition of Bottesini. Written and premiered by Adrian Mann, this virtuoso work is within the reach of the talented student yet offers a challenge to the seasoned professional bassist as well. In particular, the often-ignored lower range of the instrument is utilized to full advantage. However, the singing tenor range and typical bass-solo harmonic passages are also included in abundance.

With a duration of 15 minutes, the continuous-movement work is in 4 sections. After a brief orchestral introduction, the solo bass presents an opening cadenza and then launches into a boisterous aria ("Come Notte") marked by large leaps and arpeggios. The orchestra then becomes more prominent, and an ever-accelerating dialogue leads abruptly into the reflective "Recitative and Prayer" section [available separately as #8012]. The beautiful music in the prayer portion of this section retains Verdi's scoring of 6-part cello choir, over which the solo bass sings a tender melody. After another cadenza, the solo bass leads into the famous "Va pensiero" chorus, alternating the melody with the orchestra [this section and the Finale are available as #8014]. The solo bass climbs to the top of its range and then propels forward into a breathless perpetual motion Finale which concludes with exciting arpeggios and multiple-stop chords in robust virtuoso style.

CURIOUS? LIKE TO SEE MORE?? Then simply write the phrase "Viva Nabucco" on your next order form (minimum order: any single item in our catalog), and we'll send you a COMPLIMENTARY, COMPLETE SOLO PART to this fine new addition to the Solo Bass repertoire!

For our customers who would like to build their libraries rapidly, is proud to offer the following bulk-ordering specials for current repertoire:

PACKAGE 2005-A
Complete Titles for 3 Basses..........$50.

($62. if purchased separately)

PACKAGE 2005-B
Complete Titles for 4 Basses..........$96.

($120. if purchased separately)

PACKAGE 2005-C
Complete Titles for 5 Basses..........$48.

($60. if purchased separately)

PACKAGE 2005-D
Complete Bass Ensemble Library..........$188.

($242. if purchased separately)

PACKAGE 2004-E
Complete Titles for 4 Cellos..........$72.

($90. if purchased separately)

PACKAGE 2005-F
Complete Titles for 5 Cellos..........$88.

($110. if purchased separately)

PACKAGE 2005-G
Complete Titles for 6 Cellos..........$36.

($44. if purchased separately)

PACKAGE 2005-H
Complete Cello Ensemble Library..........$188.

($244. if purchased separately)

Special Trial Offer: Order any single item at list price, then if you are pleased with the quality of our arrangements, order any package within 30 days and we'll deduct the single item cost.

[Just Write in Package # and Price on your Order Form]

is dedicated to providing the finest music for the enjoyment of performer and listener alike. Music has always been somewhat myterious and was believed by the ancients to have magic powers. Undoubtedly there is a spiritual element to it, perhaps best summarized by one of its greatest practioners, J. S. Bach, who offered his music "for the glorification of God and the refreshment of the spirit."

offers our music to you in the spirit of the following anonymous verse:

How many of us ever stop to think
Of music as a wondrous magic link
With God; taking sometimes the place of prayer,
When words have failed us 'neath the weight of care.

Music, that knows no country, race, or creed,
But gives to each according to his need.

The Basses of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic

Taken in front of the historic Allen County Courthouse in Fort Wayne, Indiana, pictured from left to right are members of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Bass section:

Andres Gil, Brad Kuhns, Brian Kuhns, Kevin Piekarski, Adrian Mann

· Not pictured: Rolf Erdahl (who nonetheless cuts a dashing figure not to mention plays a mean Bass Fiddle!)

Website developed by Jonathan Mann with help from Anton Belton