Three Nocturnes for solo double bass; John Luther Adams

Three Nocturnes for solo double bass by John Luther Adams

Published by Chester Music

Three High Places for solo cello by John Luther Adams

Published by Chester

John Luther Adams (b 1953) is a prominent American composer whose work is ''profoundly influenced by the natural world and a strong sense of place.'' As such, his music is strongly rooted in the natural environments where he has resided, including rural Georgia, Mexico, and for much his career, Alaska. A curiousness akin to Edgard Varese and John Cage has led him to incorporate environmental elements such as bird song, field recordings, and naturally occurring overtones in his work.

John Luther Adams's "Three Nocturnes" for solo bass open and close with the atmospheric "Moonrise" and "Moonset". Like many of his works for strings, these two nocturnes contain only slow-moving natural harmonics and open strings to create a clear, naturally resonant sound. These serene, atmospheric, and deceptively difficult nocturnes are countered with a strikingly relentless, fast nocturne titled "Night Wind". These modern masterpieces are a worthy challenge for the enterprising bassist. Master level, Grade 6.