Rodrigo Mata: In Memoriam for Unaccompanied Double Bass
By Rodrigo Mata. In memory of Tony Osborne
About the Composition
Commissioned by David Heyes, this piece emerges with all devotion and respect towards the life and work of the great Tony Osborne. It begins stealthily with a pedal note opposed by a simple motif with long notes, around which the whole piece unfolds as a hymn or prayer, without any religious connotation; it is a peaceful and calm piece - just to be quiet and take a moment to think about our past life in contrast to our present life.
It has a simple form in which are presented an introduction, a development, and a restatement. The thematic intensity increases as the piece progresses, taking the main motif from different angles and combinations. Most of the time the harmonic sequence remains suspended, causing a slight and constant tension, resting on the root chord in only a few places. For the most part, two simultaneous voices can be heard, for which natural harmonics are combined with ordinary notes.
This pure and sincere work was created with love for music and for those who make it possible, principally in memory of the great Tony Osborne, but also seeking to enrich the repertoire for double bass.
In Memoriam has emerged sincerely from the heart as deep tones for peace, and seeks to spread this cause to the whole world.
This work has been premiered by Rodrigo Mata himself, both virtual and live, in the forum "Deep tones for peace" created at the initiative of the great bassist Mark Dresser in an online transmission on September 3, 2020, as well as at a live concert in Norwegian Music Academy in Oslo, Norway on September 4, 2020, together with works by great composers such as Giacinto Scelsi, Sofia Gubaidulina, Hakon Thelin, Arvo Pärt and Peteris Vasks. In addition, this work has won 1st place in the 2020 International Society of Bassists composition competition in the solo double bass category.
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