Quintet for Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and String Trio (Simpson)
Encyclopedia
The Quintet for Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and String Trio by Robert Simpson
was completed in 1981 and commissioned by Gerald Drucker
principal double bass at the Philharmonia Orchestra
of London. The first performance was given at the Wigmore Hall
in 1981 by the London Double Bass Ensemble
and led by Gerald Drucker.
Robert Simpson was attracted to the idea of a quintet for the somewhat unusual combination of three double basses, clarinet and bass clarinet, beginning with a passage where the bass trio is actually introduced in harmonics, so that the two clarinets enter below.
release. The Quintet for Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and String Trio is also recorded with the Quartet for Strings no 14; and Quartet for Strings no 15 .
Robert Simpson (composer)
Robert Simpson was an English composer and long-serving BBC producer and broadcaster.He is best known for his orchestral and chamber music , and for his writings on the music of Beethoven, Bruckner, Nielsen and Sibelius. He studied composition under Herbert Howells...
was completed in 1981 and commissioned by Gerald Drucker
Gerald Drucker
Gerald Drucker was a British classical double bass player, photographer and double bass teacher. Principal Double Bass at the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra, and finally the Philharmonia Orchestra of London...
principal double bass at the Philharmonia Orchestra
Philharmonia Orchestra
The Philharmonia Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in Great Britain, based in London. Since 1995, it has been based in the Royal Festival Hall. In Britain it is also the resident orchestra at De Montfort Hall, Leicester and the Corn Exchange, Bedford, as well as The Anvil, Basingstoke...
of London. The first performance was given at the Wigmore Hall
Wigmore Hall
Wigmore Hall is a leading international recital venue that specialises in hosting performances of chamber music and is best known for classical recitals of piano, song and instrumental music. It is located at 36 Wigmore Street, London, UK and was built to provide London with a venue that was both...
in 1981 by the London Double Bass Ensemble
London Double Bass Ensemble
The London Double Bass Ensemble was established by members of the Philharmonia Orchestra of London in 1981. The ensemble has performed on television and radio and at venues including the South Bank and Wigmore Hall, giving many first performances of double-bass repertoire, including Quintet for...
and led by Gerald Drucker.
Robert Simpson was attracted to the idea of a quintet for the somewhat unusual combination of three double basses, clarinet and bass clarinet, beginning with a passage where the bass trio is actually introduced in harmonics, so that the two clarinets enter below.
Discography
Currently, the only commercially available CD is a Hyperion RecordsHyperion Records
Hyperion Records is an independent British classical record label.-History:The company was named after Hyperion, one of the Titans of Greek mythology. It was founded by George Edward Perry, widely known as "Ted", in 1980. Early LP releases included rarely recorded 20th century British music by...
release. The Quintet for Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and String Trio is also recorded with the Quartet for Strings no 14; and Quartet for Strings no 15 .