Elephas Maximus (For Solo Bass and String Orchestra): String Bass

The Latin name for our largest living land animal provides the title for this solo for bass with orchestra. Beginning with the "awakening," the solo continues with the first lumbering steps before the giant mammal reaches full speed. Light, lyrical and even comedic, the piece was inspired by a trip to the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, and the way Burma, the elephant, moved and swayed. (1:50)