RVW Concerto - mvt. 1 "Prelude" - a rant

[b.williams]

I have heard it so many times, but very few times have I heard it played well. First, many try to play it on a horn it was never intended to be played on. In my humble opinion, it was written for the Eb/F tuba and should be played on such. I have heard Mozart horn concertos on tuba, does that mean it sounds good? No. Secondly it probably one of the best things tubas have and is a good piece of music, but not a GREAT one (such as the Mozart horn concertos or the Mendelssohn violin concerto). I love hearing it played well (Fletcher/Phillips), but usually it is like going to a karaoke bar and hearing people butcher "You Light up my Life". OK, have I been sacrilegious enough for one day?

No. It is the truth. I practice it on a BBb, a euphonium, and a bass trombone. if I were going to perform it, I would use an Eb.

[BVD Press]

When playing a solo, it is not always about the soloist (although we all want it to be). If the accompaniment cannot be played at the tempo of the soloist's choice, well the tempo must be changed. Find the tempo that works or fits the soloist and accompaniment best.

I am not sure you can ever be wrong if you choose the tempo that allows one to be the most musical?

[MartyNeilan]

I have heard it so many times, but very few times have I heard it played well. First, many try to play it on a horn it was never intended to be played on. In my humble opinion, it was written for the Eb/F tuba and should be played on such. I love hearing it played well (Fletcher/Phillips), but usually it is like going to a karaoke bar and hearing people butcher "You Light up my Life".

Didn't Harv play it on a CC every time? (which admittedly was the same size or slightly smaller than Fletch's Eb)

Yes, back to the original post I agree that the first movement should not be played too fast. It is musical and does not take itself too seriously. Now the last movement - faster is better.

[Uncle Buck]

but usually it is like going to a karaoke bar and hearing people butcher "You Light up my Life".

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