Reinecke, Frank – “Music For Double Bass” – [Neos]

Frank Reinecke plays these solos on a double bass with normal tuning; basses are frequently tuned higher for solo pieces but the difference is audible here. Scelsi gives us a nice tune (track 1) and long sustained notes (track 2). Isang Yun’s compositions (track 3 and 4) remind me of Bach’s solo string pieces. Xenakis’s Theraps (track 5) is frightening and abrasive; I see in the liner notes that is considered very nearly impossible to play. Track 6 by Stahnke features some vocals in a improv scat style. Henze gives us a moving and lovely track 7. Track 8, written by Lorentzen is called Tiefe (TEE-fa) which means “depth” in German.

Booming, hoarse, and beautifully resonant. Brilliantly played by Reinecke.