Grainger Sussex Mummers' Christmas Carol for Double Bass & Piano

Australian - born composer and pianist Percy Grainger lived in England where he concertized and edited English folk music. He moved to the United States after 1915 and became a naturalized citizen.

Grainger dedicated this work to Danish composer and cellist Herman Sandby (He was principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra 1914-16). Sandby composed one of the most beautiful original solos ever written for the double bass - Solopiece for Double Bass and String Orchestra. (Recorded with piano - Double Bass Sampler CD - St.F.M.P. (B0215CD), Lucas Drew, Double Bass) Also, The Herman Sandby Album (Three Transcribed Pieces for Double Bass and Piano) is published by St.F.M.P. (B0605)

Percy Grainger met Evard Grieg in London in 1905. Grieg was so impressed by his playing that he invited him to his home in Norway. They spent the summer of 1907 preparing for the premier of Griegs Piano Concerto which Grieg was to conduct at the Leeds Festival
in England. However, Grieg died prior to the performance. Grainger gave “such a masterful performance of the work that his name has been linked with it as one of its best interpreters ever since.” (Source - Thompson, Oscar - The International Cyclopedia of Music and Musicians)