Proto: Nine Variants on Paganini for Double Bass and Piano

It is no secret that Niccolo Paganini's 24th Violin Caprice has inspired composers for many generations. The tune, comprised of 16 measures, lends itself both melodically and harmonically to a myriad of treatments from styles classical to avant-garde. Proto explains that all ages have their virtuosi and for double bassists, one of those performers in Francois Rabbath. This piece was composed for and dedicated to him.

The world premier of this piece was performed with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra on March 31,2002.