Performed by the Double Bass Fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center, conducted by Gemma New, coached by Todd Seeber
8 July 2018 Seiji Ozawa Hall

Descent

/dɪˈsɛnt/

noun

1                    An act of moving downwards, dropping, or falling.
1.1              A downward slope.
1.2              A moral, social, or psychological decline.

2                    The origin or background of a person in terms of family or nationality.
2.1              The transmission of qualities, property, or privileges by inheritance.

3                    A sudden violent attack.
3.1              An unexpected visit.

“I am in a prison: one wall is the avant-garde, the other wall is the past, and I want to escape.” – György Ligeti

This work is an exploration of moving downwards, in search of musical origins.

Many thanks to the basses of the Tanglewood Music Center, and to Todd Seeber, for his advice in the development of the work.

Descent, for seven basses

Alex Taylor, Composer