Giovanni Bottesini (1821-1889) - 8 pages - for solo tuning - Edited by Thomas Martin.
"The Carnival of Venice" is a composition by Niccolo Paganini based upon the Neapolitan folk tune "Oh Mama, Mama Cara". Following this set of variations by Paganini, many virtuosic interpretations have been composed for instruments such as cornet, euphonium, classical guitar, and most notably, the double bass. In addition to serving as a show piece for many instruments, this tune can be recognized in the novelty song "How Much is That Doggy in the Window", recorded by Patti Page on December 18, 1952.
This exciting early work of Bottesini is undoubtedly a challenging undertaking. Bottesini's "Introduction and Variations on The Carnival of Venice" consists of the Theme and VIII variations. Check out these two interpretations from former London Symphony Principal Bassists, including Thomas Martin.