A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass
For Solo Double Bass ©2024 Stölzel/BMI
PROGRAM NOTES:
“A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass” for Solo Double Bass takes its title and inspiration from the 52nd stanza of Percy Shelley’s elegy “Adonais.” Written by Shelley to commemorate the death of poet John Keats, the words resonated deeply with me as I reflected on the inspired life and legacy of bassist, Robert Black (1956-2023).
The One remains, the many change and pass; Heaven’s light forever shines, Earth’s shadows fly; Life, like a dome of many-coloured glass, Stains the white radiance of Eternity, Until Death tramples it to fragments From “Adonais” by Percy Shelley
“A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass” for Solo Double Bass was commissioned by Krista Kopper in memory of Robert Black.
PERFORMANCE NOTES:
• When performing double stops with open string drones, always prioritize the moving melodic pitch over the harmonic drone pitch.
• The “Spiccato Bow Harmonic Activation” in measures 18-20 should gradually bring out the harmonic overtones of the A fundamental up to the 5th Partial C#. The goal is to move as smoothly as possible to stopped C# in measure 21. For a demonstration and technical explanation please see: https://www.themoderndoublebass.org.uk/arco--spicatto-harmonic-activation. html
DURATION: approx.6 minutes
For more information: info@ingridstolzel.com www.ingridstolzel.com
A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass for Solo Double Bass
The One remains, the many change and pass; Heaven's light forever shines, Earth's shadows fly; Life, like a dome of many-coloured glass, Stains the white radiance of Eternity, Until Death tramples it to fragments. fromPercyShelley"ADONAIS"
©2024 Ingrid Stölzel All Rights reserved.
Ingrid Stölzel