Ewald #1 & German F Tuba...like Peanut Butter & Chocolate

[Z-Tuba Dude]

Hey Guys,

I first met the Ewald #1 when I was in college. Played it on a rotary BBb Tuba, 'cause that's what I had! It worked just fine.

Later I played it on CC, when I finally saved up for one, and it was even a little better.

But recently I played it on an Alex F, and it was a revelation to me!!!

That part just fits an F tuba beautifully! (especially one with a German accent!)

I guess it should be no surprise...I am sure when the music was written, the bottom voice was probably conceived for an Eastern European F tuba, of some kind.

Anyway, try it....YOU'LL LIKE IT!!!

[Ben]

While I have miserable Eb chops, I suspect it lies very well on that instrument also.

FWIW, I use my F for this work as well, 'cause it is so easy, and I don't need to be brutish to my colleagues.

[J.c. Sherman]

It lies perfectly on Eb. I have performed these on Alex F, Yammy F, Besson Eb, and Miraphone 184 CC. One of my quintets likes the CC for everything (and there's a boss involved), but he hasn't heard it on an Alex F

It's most facile on Eb for me, and is scored for 3-valve Eb (range to A). But any small tuba will do it justice

J.c.S.

[J.c. Sherman]

I'm guessing that having the tuba bell face away from the microphone is the cause... though that doesn't account for the over balance of the euphonium. Cell phones are finicky

Interestingly, I also prefer valves on the fourth part. My own quintet uses cornets, horn, baritone and small tuba for Ewald. It makes for a great blend and balance.

Nice playing, Bloke!

[Bob Kolada]

I played it on a piston Hirsbrunner Eb (terrible horn!) and it seemed to fit well. The recordings I've heard with rotary F's don't seem present enough.

[peter birch]

recorded with the trombone player's phone. tuba is weak in the mix ...whatev' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeqlOpkg5c8

I play this in our quintet, on an EEb tuba, a euphonium playing the trombone line doesn't work for me, it overpowers the ensemble

[bbocaner]

I've done an ewald quintet on british brass band instruments -- 2 Bb cornets, Eb tenorhorn (alto horn), Bb baritone (very similar bore and bell to an oval german/russian tenorhorn), and Eb tuba. Works really beautifully with the "matched" instruments. The trombone timbre really sticks out in some places where it's supposed to blend into either the tuba or the alto.

[gregsundt]

Nice playing, Bloke!

I thought it's bloke.

[eupher61]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Ewald