The music of Giovanni Bottesini is little played in international concert halls. He was a virtuoso on the double bass as well as a colorful composer, and a character about whom many an anecdote could be told. His compositions for double bass are now staples of the instrument's repertoire. This disc of favorite works by Bottesini features Rick Stotijn, making his debut on Channel Classics. Stotijn is currently leader of the double basses in the Amsterdam Sinfonietta and the Swedish Radio Orchestra. He is also guest leader of orchestras including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Rundfunk Sinfonie Orchester Berlin and the London Symphony Orchestra. The disc also features the bass player's sister mezzo-soprano Chistiane Stotijn, and orchestral support from his friends in the Amsterdam Sinfonietta.