This Duet for Contrabass & Piano is based on rhythms indigenous to Mendoza, Argentina. I lived in this area years ago and fell in love with both the people and their culture. A young friend and bassist, Sarah Lahasky, had been researching Mendocino music (similar to Tango) and shared basic rhythms with me. Exploring these, a simple melody came easily and formed the “B-section” of this piece. Other themes then evolved. I was excited to have this same friend premier Pensive No. 1 on July 6th, 2018, at the KC Bass Workshop (2018).
I re-wrote Pensive No. 1 in 2024 for Cello & Piano in anticipation of having the cello version premiered locally. Both downloads include score + part (for Cello or Bass).
Video of premier at the Kansas City Bass Workshop, performed by Sarah Lahasky (contrabass) and Julie Wheeler (piano) on July 6th, 2018.
Computer Rendition:
Please note this computer generated MP3 file is not able to play the “Seagull Effect” but otherwise does a very nice job conveying the music.
