ABC Classic releases recording of Paul Dean Double Bass Concerto featuring Phoebe Russell and QSO

The piece was written specifically for Russell to perform, and the pair's close friendship is reflected in the quirky movement titles “Arrival (of the Queen of Tarragindi)” (Dean’s nickname for Russell), the “Big Deal Waltz” (a reference to the comment made by Russell to Dean’s wife upon their introduction: “My name’s Phoebe; I’m kind of a big deal.”). 

Dean has developed a reputation as one of Australia's foremost musicians, and works regularly with Russell as Artistic Director of Ensemble Q. A graduate of Berlin Philharmonic’s Karajan Academy, Phoebe Russell has performed in more than 20 countries across the globe with some of the world’s leading orchestras, and has been Principal Double Bass of QSO since 2017. 

Margaret Tesch-Muller, reviewing the 2022 premiere for Limelight Magazine, said: "The 25-minute work was a substantial and virtuosic addition to the tiny solo Double Bass orchestral canon and was played with vigour and commitment by both soloist and orchestra alike. It was delightful to hear a work that fully celebrates the bottom end of the orchestra with the drama largely driven by the lower strings, brass and exquisite bassoon solos by David Mitchell. Russell’s command of the instrument, warmth and humour shone through in both the quiet atmospheric moments and intense, technically difficult passages proving without a doubt that she really is “kind of a big deal”. The audience clearly enjoyed the performance, erupting with cheers, rapturous applause and a heartfelt standing ovation that went on for quite some time."

The piece was generously commissioned by Caroline and Ian Frazer for Phoebe Russell and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and won the 2023 APRA Art Music Awards Work of the Year, Large Ensemble. The Awards recognise some of Australia's finest established and emerging artists in art music and acknowledge the achievements of composers, performers, educators and leaders in contemporary classical music, jazz, improvisation, electronic and sound art and experimental practice.

Stream or download Paul Dean's Concerto for Double Bass here.