Very little is known about the two sonatas which appear here in their original keys. They were placed in the library of the Music School in Oxford at the end of the seventeenth century in a form convenient for playing (i.e. unbound). The library was catalogued by Hake between 1850 and 1855 and the sonatas were eventually bound in 1855 with other instrumental and vocal manuscripts of the same period some of which are dated 1698.The sonatas are both inscribed on the title page Sonata à Violone Solo. Col Basso per l'Organo o Cembalo. A third sonata bears the words Sonata à Violino e Violoncino … di Giovannino del Violone. Giovannino(=Little or Young John) must have been a performer and although the third sonata has been copied by a different hand it is conceivable that Giovannino is a connecting link between the three. He cannot however be assumed to be their author.The Violone was a six-stringed instrument with frets and there is evidence to suggest that the Contrabasso of the same period was similar but probably a little larger; the Violoncino (=Little Violone or Violoncello) must have been smaller. The word 'Violone' was also used as a collective term embracing all members of the Viol family which means that the sonatas might well have been written for a tenor or a bass Viol and not necessarily a Violone as such. Indeed when they are played on a Violone or Double Bass the continuo bass line must be played at a lower pitch than the solo instrument to prevent inversion of the intended harmony. (The use of a Violone/Double Bass continuo or 16' organ tone would overcome this problem.)The editor has added no ornaments or embellishments to the solo part as it appears in the original manuscript. It is open to debate whether a Violone player owing to the very nature of his instrument would have used any but the simplest melodic decorations. Nevertheless the performer should acquaint himself thoroughly with those seventeenth century traditions that

Swedish bassist, cellist, composer and arranger Lars Danielsson is renowned and admired throughout the International jazz world for his lyrical melodies and strong groove. This collection brings together 20 Impromptus For Piano And 1 Solo Piece For Contrabass, composed by Danielsson in his idiosyncratic style. Born in 1958, Danielsson originally studied classical Cello at the conservatory in Gothenburg before changing to Bass and jazz. He has since become one of the most in-demand bassists in the world, recognised and admired for his rounded sound that's both lyrical and powerful. Having played with a virtually endless list of international stars, including Michael and Randy Brecker, John Scofield and Charles Lloyd, Danielsson's track record as a leader is equally unparalleled, bringing his talent for simple and catchy melodies together with his instinct for putting together groups of musicians. If you're a fan of Lars Danielsson, or you just want some fantastic jazz tunes to play for Solo Piano, with an extra piece for Contrabass, this collection of 20 Impromptus has been selected by the artist himself and is sure to satisfy any progressive pianist.

Inspired by the use of the bass viol in Bach cantatas as well as jazz groups. Includes two piano reductions: Concert Pitch and Solo Tuning in D. Co-commissioned by 15 orchestras and the International Society of Bassists.