Double Bass Concerto No. 15 in D major

Johann Matthias Sperger (1750-1812) was the most important double bass virtuoso of the Classical era, serving at the court orchestra of Prince Esterhazy alongside Haydn, and he composed an extraordinary body of double bass concertos -- eighteen survive -- that remain the primary Classical repertoire for the instrument. The Concerto No. 15 in D major (c. 1790s) is perhaps the finest, combining the galant elegance of late Haydn with writing of genuine virtuosity for the soloist. The first movement unfolds with lyrical themes well-suited to the bass's tenor register; the Adagio is genuinely expressive; and the finale's rondo theme has a folk-like bounce. Sperger wrote for his own tuning system -- solo tuning, a whole step above orchestral pitch -- making modern performances require careful transposition decisions.