Mare Nubium (Sea of Clouds)

The Sea of Clouds was named by Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Riccioli in 1651, and its found on the near side of the moon. My Mare Nubium attempts to capture the moments before sleep. The opening, alternating between G dominant 7th and E-flat major chords suggests the minds wandering. The middle section, poco piu animato, suggests a moment of agitation, perhaps reflecting on a misstep of the day or even frustration and not having fallen asleep yetboth very familiar experiences for me. The piece ends with a da capo restatement of the original idea as it finally rests into slumber. Mare Nubium is dedicated to developing bassists and to bassists everywhere. I sincerely hope it takes its place among the favorites in bass solo repertoire. Seth Bedford, 2023