It's rare to have the chance to hear a double base as a solo instrument, but a local teenager is determined to give us all such an opportunity. Edmund Hartzell (pictured) from Saundersfoot is only 19-years-old, yet is on the brink of a career as an international virtuoso double bassist. He is giving a double bass recital at Rhosygilwen Mansion, Cilgerran, near Cardigan, next Friday night (July 21). His programme includes works by Vivaldi, Bottesini and Bach. Edmund, son of one of Pembrokeshire's best- known piano teachers, Jan Hartzell, was a finalist in the Texaco Young Musician of Wales in 2005 and is already in demand as a young recitalist with bookings into 2007. At Rhosygilwen Mansion next Friday, Edmund will include two Concertos, one by Vivaldi and another by Koussevitzky, as well as several virtuoso works by Bottesini, including the famous 'Tarantella' and 'La Sonnambula'. A live recording is being made of this recital by the Dreamwork Studio of Jens Schroeder. In September this year, Edmund will be taking up a Foundation Scholarship at The Royal College of Music. Edmund performs works by composers, including Bottesini, which are rarely performed in public as they're preceived to be particuarly difficult. There are only a few double bass virtuosi in the world and Edmund is already well on the way to joining their ranks. In June, he premiered his own composition 'Dreams' for solo double bass at the Wigmore Hall in London. He said: "It's about time that the double bass is given the recognition it deserves as a solo instrument, and not just left at the back of the orchestra. "If I can encourage more players even younger than msyelf to take up the bass and recognise what a beautiful sound it can make, then I will feel that I achieved something worthwhile." The concert at Rhosygilwen Mansion is on July 21 at 8 pm, with tickets from just £5. Supper before the concert can be booked and the box office 'phone number is 01239 841387.
