Stephen Dodgson Lighting the Match was commissioned by David Heyes for DOUBLE BASS 2000 and was premiered at Trinity College of Music (London) in October 2000. Aimed at the good beginner bassist, this one movement work offers a range of simple but effective musical and technical challenges for the younger bassist and would be useful as both educational or recital repertoire. The independent piano accompaniment follows the story of the piece and the bass part utilses a two octave range contrasting arco and pizzicato effects. In a tonal and accessible idiom, there is much here to explore and enjoy for both bassist and pianist alike. The composer writes: 'Imagine an improbable future scenario: Bassist and accompanist embark on a newly popular 'short-break' - a weekend in space; and with it a chance to rehearse in an ideal, weightless environment. But first they must survive the thrill and the terror of the countdown. It is almost too much for the bass, heavy and cumbersome, even with the pianist's helpful pair of hands, by nature better suited to acts of levitation.' Stephen Dodgson was born in London in 1924 and is a successful and prolific composer and, in a career lasting more than fifty years, has written in practically every genre including opera, chamber, choral, concertos and orchestral. His many and varied works for guitar have brought him worldwide recognition. For many years Stephen Dodgson taught composition and theory at the Royal College of Music and was also a regular and much admired broadcaster on BBC Radio. Grade: 4 - 5