Warner Concertino for Double Bass and Piano

The original title, Concerto for Contra Bass and Strings, has been changed to Concertino (a small­ sized concerto) which possibly better describes the composition. This is the first printed edition of the complete Concertino for Double Bass and Piano. I was in close contact with “Mr. Warner” until his death in 1960 and was unaware that he had composed a concerto until his son, David, contacted me about 12 years ago. Since no piano part was found, publication was delayed. The second movement with a piano reduction was printed in 2006 (B0605). The composer's manuscript ofthe score and string parts to the three movements were also published (B0606-see page 8).

As my first bass teacher, “Mr. Warner’s” playing, teaching and encouragement inspired me to become a musician. He was enormously giving and provided a lifelong model for my philosophy of music and teaching. David best described his premature death - “...brought this most promising of careers to a tragic conclusion.” I will add - “he would have been among the leading and influential string teachers in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century.”

Lucas Drew, Editor