John Elmquist: Pockets (1993) – Two Performances

John Elmquist double bassist, pianist and composer from the Chicago area. Elmquist holds a D.M.A. in music composition from the University of Memphis. His work Pockets, for double bass solo was composed in 1993. This work requires acrobatic agility with such feats as the playing of similar pitched notes on near strings, playing with the left hand (unlike the common right hand) pizzicato, a constant switch between regular bow playing (arco) and a "white noise" effect as a result of playing with minimal bow weight, next to the bridge (sul ponticello). Elmquist's sophisticated writing highlights his intimate acquaintance with the instrument as both player and composer. It is a stunning piece of eclecticism, merging motifs from the western art music world with elements of jazz and pop.

Ron Merhavi