Allman Short Suite for Solo Double Bass

The second movement of the Short Suite was composed first, to fill out a recital set of three

Sarabandes from different centuries. The Jig was added a short time later, to end the set on a more ‘upbeat’ note; at that point it seemed logical to extend the piece into a suite in the Baroque mold.

The intent was to meld the suite form as practiced by J.S. Bach (an improvisatory Prelude, followed by a prescribed set of dances in a specific order) and my own quirky compositional style, which draws on influences as widespread as jazz, minimalism, and Hindemith.

The addition of slides, bends, and ornaments to the Prelude is very much in character, though the tempo of the middle section should be rock-steady. The Sarabande should not be too slow; its basic dance character should be maintained throughout. The Jig should be absolutely frantic, played as fast as possible.

Accidentals are handled in the traditional manner, remaining in effect for the whole bar.
- Edward Allman