Double Bass Concerto No. 2 (Bottesini)

Double Bass Concerto No. 2 in B Minor is a work for double bass and orchestra by Giovanni Bottesini. The piece runs approximately 20 minutes.

Background
Double Bass Concerto No. 2 has become one of the most performed works for double bass, dated to 1845 but would not be published until 1925. The composer, having learned bass out of convenience, was heavily inspired by Italian operas and wrote six of his own.

The concerto is composed in the typical romantic style with the orchestra and soloist playing equal rolls, switching between melody and support. The first movement consists of a short introduction, after which the bass takes on a lyrical bel canto style. Bottesini imitates the human voice closely, utilizing both soprano and bass ranges. The second movement is characterized by dramatic, unexpected dynamic changes and the incorporation of the Italian lament style. The third movement is a bravura with an excited temperament.

Structure
As is typical of concertos, the work contains three movements: 1. Allegro

2. Andante

3. Allegro

Recordings

 * Rinat Ibragimov (musician) Double Bass, January 12, 2012.
 * Edgar Myer Double Bass, March 10, 2018.
 * Timothy Cobb Double Bass, May 30, 2020
 * Mikyung Sung Double Bass, Nov 16, 2021.