Dennis Leogrande

May I?

This new publication replaces the old Latham edition (now out of print) - popular title on both ABRSM and TG double bass syllabuses (grade 7).

Dennis Leogrande writes:

I began writing the melody first, although every piece begins differently. I wanted to begin with a sound that for me is very characteristic of the bass, that being the ½ step slide from G# to A. Looking throughout the piece, you will notice other slides, ie. bars 1, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 16, 18, 38, 58, 114, 116, 18, 120, 123, 125 and 127. Please don't forget to notice the grace note slide in measure 100. These are the melodic motifs that give the piece its character and act as hooks (memorable ideas) for the listener to latch on to. Once I began writing the melody, it just grew organically from the original idea. I hope you feel the same organic growth. The shifting harmonic tonalities (between D major and D minor) seem to ask the question 'May I?' and keep the listener involved in trying to answer the question. The jazz style keeps the 'question' light hearted, a little 'tongue in cheek.' However, playing this piece requires attention to these details and a great deal of musicianship. It's the fine musician who understands both the music and the instrument who can make a difficult and complicated piece sound easy, light, and fun. Oh, and yes, please enjoy!