František Černý (Jan. 23, 1861 - Sept. 3, 1940) was a Czech double bassist, composer, and teacher. Little is known about him, apart from his work as a double bassist. 

We know that Černý attended the Prague Conservatory, and graduated  in 1892.  He played in several orchestras, and became professor of double bass at the Prague Conservatory in 1900, a position he held for 31 years. He composed for double bass, both solos and etude exercises, and also wrote a few works for the piano.

Written for double bass and piano, Danse des Satyres  begins with a piano introduction that briefly touches on some themes of the work, and then after a minute and a half, the double bass comes in, unobtrusively, and almost meekly. But not longer after its entrance, the double bass starts to take off, playing long lyrical lines, and then transitioning to moving up and down lines quickly. The double bassists' work is cut out for them; the part goes far in to the higher register, and there is some fast left hand work, in addition to various bow articulations to master. The pianist also has a good share of work, as it's a highly collaborative piece. In addition to the technical demands, this work has musical demands as well, with some rich melodies that keep both musicians on their toes throughout.

Here's a recording of this wonderful work for you to enjoy!

Zsolt Tibay

https://amzn.to/2RU4qfu