Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf Transcribed: Armand Russell Dittersdorf is known to bassists thanks to his concertos for the instrument. His Notturno, written in the 1770s, transcribes well for double bass quartet and American composer-bassist, Armand Russell, has produced a very effective and player-friendly edition. The three movement work lasts about 11 minutes and is a useful addition to the transcription quartet repertoire. Ideal for the college or university quartet, it makes use of a three ocatve range, with some challenges for basses 1 and 2 who play in thumb position. Written in C major, the edition includes parts in C and D major for basses 3 and 4 to allow the piece to be played in one tuning or a combination of solo and orchestral tunings. Ideal for the good intermediate quartet. Dittersdorf was a contemporary of Haydn and Mozart and was at the centre of 18th-century Viennese Classical music producing a wide range of vocal and instrumental music that was popular with audiences and players of his day. The Notturno was originally for 4 flutes and Recital Music also publishes editions for string quartet[RMS121], string orchestra and 4 flutes (or violins). Grade: 7 - 8