Toby Hughes - Elegy: Toby Hughes (2021)

For his debut solo recording, double bassist Toby Hughes explores the versatility and musicality of the double bass as a solo instrument. Released on Champs Hill Records, and recorded together with pianist Benjamin Powell, Hughes presents some of the finest original compositions for the double bass, including Adolf Mišek’s Sonata no.2, Glière’s Four Pieces, and Giovanni Bottesini’s beautiful Elegia.

Hughes writes: “These works represent some of the most important moments from my musical journey so far. The album is dedicated to the memory of Corin Long. He was one of my first, and most important teachers. Without a doubt, I would not be recording these works without the limitless inspiration, encouragement and enthusiasm I received whilst learning with him.”

From an early age, Hughes was determined to pursue a career as a soloist, playing an instrument more familiar in its role underpinning the sound of a symphony orchestra. Hughes has since been recognised widely for his exceptional virtuosity, winning the Chandos Symphony Orchestra's ‘Young Musician of the Year’, the 2014 Royal Over-Seas League Competition (the first double bassist ever to win), the 2016 Bromsgrove International Competition and the 2018 Tunbridge Wells International Young Concert Artists Competition. He has performed in Wigmore Hall, St-Martin-in-the-Fields, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Edinburgh Festival, and has toured the USA with the 12 Ensemble and the guitarist Miloš Karadaglic.

Hughes studied under the tutelage of Corin Long (former principal of the Royal Philharmonia Orchestra), Graham Mitchell, Božo Paradžik, Matthew McDonald(principal of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra) and Juří Hudec (Royal Northern College of Music). He has been supported by the Tillett Trust, the Musicians’ Company and Making Music, and has been a City Music Foundation artist since 2018.

Tracklist:

01. Aria et Rondo: I. Aria
02. Aria et Rondo: II. Rondo
03. Prélude and Scherzo, Op. 32: I. Prélude
04. Prélude and Scherzo, Op. 32: II. Scherzo
05. Intermezzo and Tarantella, Op. 9: I. Intermezzo
06. Intermezzo and Tarantella, Op. 9: II. Tarantella
07. Deux Ekskize, Op. 17: I. Ekskize (Arr. for Double Bass and Piano)
08. Sonata No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 6: I. Con fuoco
09. Sonata No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 6: II. Andante cantabile
10. Sonata No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 6: III. Furiant., Allegro energico
11. Sonata No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 6: IV. Finale. Allegro appasionato
12. Elegia No. 1