Proto: Sonata 1963

In 1963, Frank Proto was planning his graduation recital while at the Manhattan School of Music. Needing another piece to fill out his program, Proto searched for a contemporary piece. He wasn't able to find one that he liked so he chose to compose his one. The result was Sonata 1963 for Double Bass and Piano.

The work is in four movements with the only audible break coming between the second and third. It explores many of the characteristic techniques that the instrument is capable of employing but too infrequently called upon to use, lyrical playing and un-improvised jazz pizzicato being just two.