Intermezzo and Tarantella, Op. 9

Reinhold Glière (1875–1956) composed his Intermezzo and Tarantella Op. 9 around 1900, originally for cello and piano, and it was later adapted for double bass — in which version it has become a cornerstone of the solo double bass repertoire. The Intermezzo is a singing, cantabile slow movement that demonstrates the double bass's capacity for lyrical expression across a wide range; the Tarantella is a driven, perpetuum-mobile dance in 6/8 that tests the agility and stamina of the right hand. Both movements are accessible enough to appear on conservatory audition lists while rewarding enough for professional recital. Glière is best known for the ballet Red Poppy and the Concerto for Coloratura Soprano.