for four double basses. Score and parts.
In a children's book by
Tilde Michels Zoppo Trump is the antagonist of Kalle Wirsch, the little
king of the meerkats. The novel describes a journey to the inner earth
where the protagonists meet on the occasion of a decisive competition.
The present composition Zoppo Trump for four double basses has been
influenced by the images of the novel only in an associative way. The
imaginary scenes are at the beginning of the composition of three
movements and become independent in the course of the piece.
»Zoppo Trump by Stefan Schäfer was originally written for Klaus
Trumpf´s Bassiona Amorosa bass ensemble. The three-movement work is
accessible and pleasing to both audience and performers, easily readable
in the hands of advanced players, not very profund, yet a fun work. Ist
harmonies and rhythms are similar to those found in pop tunes and
musicals, but because the bass writing is good, exploiting the harmonic
series of the G and D strings to excellent effect, the piece sounds more
difficult that it really is. Scoring is excellent, with the basses
nicely spaced in register, and the texture is not too dense mainly
because the rhythmic interaction is very intelligently written.
The three movements ('Rival', 'Caveman' and 'Contest') are a
colection of appealing and exiting effects, engaging rhythms, simple but
memorable tunes and not much more. 'Rival' is marked by syncopated and
aggresive rhythms and flashy arpeggiations using harmonics, at a rather
quick tempo. Sections are mostly delineated by distinct textural changes
grounded firmly by clear changes in the bass-line. It meanders
aimlessly, yet appealingly, from section to section, finally culminating
in a finish that brings together many of the rhythms and textures
employed earlier in the movement. The second movement, 'Cave-man', is a
three-part form, with the parts of the outer sections unified by a
groovy, if repetitive, bass line. Completing the piece 'Contest'
presents the largest rhythmic challenges of the entire work. The parts
operate more independently, are heavily syncopated, and place more
demands on the players´ ensemble skills. Zoppo Trump´s catchy rhythms,
contemporary harmonies, and playability are likely to be a fantastic hit
with younger performers and listeners.«
Paul Sharpe, Double Bassist Number 41, Summer 2007
Editor: Stefan Schäfer.
Publisher: Friedrich Hofmeister Musikverlag FH3227.