Double Bass Solo: Book 1
“In trying to teach myself to play the double bass I also needed to learn to read the bass clef. After many hours of playing various scales I found this book to be a delightful way to improve my learning and playing. Many of the melodies I recognise which makes for great incentive to play the pieces. The various fingering positions and direction of the bow are indicated where appropriate.”
Customer Review ( Amazon) April, 2011

Double Bass Solo: Book 1
“Really good choice of pieces covering a wide range. However it is frustrating that there are so many without
piano accompaniment.” (Cirencester, UK)

Keith Hartley has expanded and revised two of his popular double bass books published by Oxford Music.
Double Bass Solo 1 is comprised of fifty familiar classical themes. While a variety of periods are represented, the bulk of the repertoire comes from the Romantic period. Melodies are taken from a variety of sources including vocal works (Bizet Carmen, Verdi Requiem), keyboard works (Bach Minuet, Handel Harpsichord Suite), and orchestral works (Beethoven Symphony no.9, Mendelssohn Symphony no.4). The spacing and layout of the scores is clear and easy to read. The dynamic markings are well placed and leave plenty of space for markings. Introductions of new left-hand techniques, such as shifting into a new position, are indicated prior to each melody.

Hartley has ordered the melodies by successive ascending positions. Each position is described in three ways: by the Simandl numbering method, such as 2nd position; by the number of half steps above the open string, such as third degree; and with a diagram illustrating the names of the notes that are possible on all four strings given the span of a whole step. A circled fingering indicates a shift; that is, the note beneath the circled fingering is the arrival note following a shift. Occasional brackets are used to indicate that one should remain in position and play across two strings rather than shifting back. After the 2½ position, one octave scales and arpeggios in seven major keys, four harmonic minor keys, and three melodic minor keys are introduced. After the 4th position, one octave D and Eb major and two octave E, F, F#, and G major, harmonic and melodic minor scales and arpeggios are introduced. The scales of B major, Bb and Ab minor are omitted. He offers suggested fingerings with some frequency in each melody, but refrains from doing so in the scale and arpeggio sequences.

...The short pieces introduce young students to numerous classic melodies and, when chosen with care, make a refreshing and much needed change of pace to supplement methods with less inspired selections.
Accompaniments for Double Bass Solo is available for 26 pieces from both volumes.