Paul Ramsier

Divertimento Concertante

The Divertimento Concertante On A Theme Of Couperin for Double Bass remains American composer Paul Ramsier's best-known work. It was first performed by Seiji Ozawa and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1965, and has recieved over 150 major performances since. Some of the movements take rather classical titles, such as Barcarolle and March and perhaps subvert the expectations set up by these - the March is rhythmic but always slightly out of kilter! Others such as Valse Cinematique wittily announce their modern origin. Recitative is a movement for solo double bass, and is marked ad lib. Double bass and cello parts are both included, as the piece can be adapted to either instrument.