Das Rheingold

[eupher61]

Contrabass tuba, correct? Is any of it in the Torchinsky book? Mine is long gone, whether lost, stolen, or loaned I don't know. I think the Wagner was book 2, is that correct? I don't remember what is in the opera of significance in the tuba part. I remember a long pedal point--Eb???--at the beginning, or is it one of the later acts?

I just haven't looked at IMSLP yet. But, any hints will be appreciated.

steve

[Kory101]

Yes, it's a contrabass part.

There's a big solo in the 3rd act when Albrecht changes into a dragon.

The whole part is on IMSLP.

[eupher61]

I was in the car when I posted that, so I hadn't had the chance to get to IMSLP. Thanks for the heads up! This will be fun, I got the call from a local opera company. A pretty big endeavor, but based on their history they can pull it off.

[eupher61]

So, here comes the question that could cause "discussion" here. Which tuba for Rheingold?

The range is Db (5th leger below the staff) to G in the staff. My contra bass is fine that whole range, but let's face it: F allows much better breath control on the lower and soft parts, while the contra is probably needed for the loud bits such as the Entry to Valhalla, among others.

Keeping in mind that some of the bass tubas we have today, such as the PT series, might be quite similar in bore to the contra bass that Wagner knew, most likely capable of playing more loudly than the contras of the day. and at least MY range on my F is well capable of handling that whole range quite readily...

1) take both, use the F for the soft pedal point Eb at the start and similar places later, and use the BBb for the bulk of it.

2) use just the F

3) use just the BBb

I'm comfortable with any of these options. Obviously, 1) would be a PITA.

I also don't know what cuts are going to be made in the score, I'd bet there are several, but probably nothing that would cause an impact on my choice.

[Neptune]

It was written for Kaiser tuba and requires BIG tuba tone. Play all on the BBb

[eupher61]

Actually, I'm finding out that maybe my choice WILL be affected by some cuts. It appears the pit will be smaller, in numbers and in area, than is typical for Wagner. I need to find out more from the company.

[J.c. Sherman]

The score indicates Bass Tuba, but Wagner selected his own preferred musician and instrument, who played a contrabass helicon. I almost never say this, but bring out the biggun'

J.c.S.

[PMeuph]

The score indicates Bass Tuba, but Wagner selected his own preferred musician and instrument, who played a contrabass helicon. I almost never say this, but bring out the biggun'

J.c.S.

*coughs* contrabass tuba.

[bobbob0100]

Will you have the 2 tenor tubas and 2 f tubas there as well (wagner tubas) or will they just be played on horns?

And will you have a contrabass trombone next to you?

If they are downsizing the pit to sub with horns and just a regular bass bone, you might want to consider how the F might fit in to the ensemble a little better.

[J.c. Sherman]

Hmm... back to my sources; I know it's published as such, but I was under the (perhaps mistaken) impression Rheingold was originally a Bass Tuba part, different from the main trilogy. Other parts are also different (Bass trumpet only in Eb, Contrabass trombone only, etc.).

Definitely advocating big horn, though

J.c.S.

[eupher61]

It may take a while to find out what the pit will have. The guy who is the regular for the company says they usually scale thing back. I'm not sure how that works with Wagner....but the F is starting to make more sense. Yes, it's not traditional ,but I've also been told by a friend and competent player that he's seen it done on F with
a couple of major companies.

[eupher61]

So, it looks like I'll be using the F....the orchestra is 6 violins, 2 viola, 1 cello 1 bass 2 horns 1 trumpet 1 trombone. I'm not sure of the winds or percussion.

Wow. "Scaled back" is a little understated. The company has good reviews, this is their 18th year, so I'm sure it will work. I'll find out in 7 weeks or so.

thanks for the input.