Prokofiev Two Melodies, Op. 35, for Double Bass & Piano

Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953), pianist and composer, studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory with many of the great Russian composers of that era. Later, Prokofiev lived in Paris before settling again in Russia ca. 1933. Sergei Koussevitzky was a strong advocate of Prokofiev’s music in Paris and later during his long tenure as conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

This transcription is based on the Five Songs without Words for Voice and Piano Op. 35 (1920). Prokofiev transferred these songs to Five Melodies for Violin and Piano, Op. 35 bis ca.

1925. They are recorded by violinist Rouben Aharonian (CD - Arte Nova Classics - BMG).
The Two Melodies used in this edition are No. 1 and No. 4 of the original five. The solo parts for cello or double bass (orchestra tuning) are presented initially, followed by the double bass parts for solo tuning only (i.e. tune a Major 2nd higher A-E-B-F#).