Das Rheingold

[eupher61]

Books are in for Rheingold. Um...wow.

It's a re-orchestration from the Birmingham (UK) Opera. I haven't dug in enough to verify, but a very reliable source told me it has some truncated scenes--like the Rhein maidens and the giants--but beyond that I really am not certain.

But, the interesting feature....

A double with Bass Trumpet!

I was looking for a true Baritone, which will be .050 too big and the wrong direction, for other purposes, so I may just jump on that situation anyway. The conductor is likely not eager to pay me for the double, but the part is such that it's inner voices, and way too high for tuba no matter what. Methinks he'll simply have no choice.

Now, to start a Wagner marathon, possibly lasting 6 weeks! Where's my Anna Russell album?

[eupher61]

but with only a 20 piece pit anyway, I think the Martin would demolish everyone else...and, yeah, it does make the decision a bit easier.

[eupher61]

One rehearsal down (first 2 parts), and it's no contest.

The Martin wins the Reduced Rheindgold Bowl by a good distance.

I played the F through today's rehearsal, but it never really felt comfortable. Naturally, most of the pit is under the stage floor, and it's only about 8'. The F is just high enough that I felt like everything was blowing right back at me---which, given the structure of the floor above, it was. I took the Martin in after the rehearsal ended, played about 30 seconds, and the conductor popped his head into the pit and said "Yes".

I'm surprised, but I'm sure glad I have this Martin. Thanks, Andy (and Dan) for getting the word out and getting it into my hands!

[eupher61]

The pit has 11 strings, keyboard (organ), 1 bassoon, 2 clarinets, I think 1 oboe, 2 flutes, 2 horns, 1 tpt, 1 tbn, tuba, timp/percussion, and harp. Trumpet, tuba, oboe, at least 1 clarinet double. We haven't got to the anvils yet, that will be interesting.

[Ian1]

I played this reduction in Birmingham (UK) in 2004.

I worked with Jonathan Dove (the arranger this year) and am currently working on the World Premier of Stockhausen's Mittwoch aus Licht directed by Graham Vick...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/classicalmusicandopera" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

I remember the struggle doubling on Bass Trumpet well...

Small World!

Ian

[eupher61]

Ian, it is a lot of fun already! We are still finding numerous wrong notes etc...but it really is a wonderful adaptation. Very small world indeed!

[eupher61]

Oddly, it's not that loud in there. The timps (and anvils/cymbals/whatever else, 1 player only) are on the other side, with a doorway next to him, and the pit opening between us. I really don't hear the timps much.
BTW, only 1 flute (doubling picc), 1 clarinet (doubling bass cl) and 1 oboe, doubling english horn. At least 2 violins double viola, or vice versa, 2 distinct cello books.

Ian, that Stockhausen looks interesting. Are you the human cannonball? Wow!

[Ian1]

I remember the reduced Ring Cycle well... We have gone on to perform the full length operas for the past 4 years and are performing the entire Ring next year (3 times!). Amazing music. Glad you are enjoying it.

http://www.lfo.org.uk/" target="_blank

I started rehearsing the Stockhausen mid Wagner and It's the toughest thing I've done for years. Have travelled to Cologne to rehearse. I'll try to upload the part. 39 cues from memory all timed to the second with an electronic backing. It's in a suspended chair that is moved up and down whilst playing. I can't give too much away but It's a really exciting project.

All the best,

Ian

[eupher61]

The stage floor above the pit is about 8'. Add to that (well, subtract) the 8" joists, I'm playing in a room about 7 1/2' high.

There are a couple of licks that just don't speak on the Martin BBb in that situation, like the Spear motif (starting on top space G, I think it was cbtrombone originally...) and even the Dragon motif, the G's don't want to speak for me. Combining that with the air that the Martin needs for the low Eb's, well, it's making sense to have the F there too. So, I'm playing the opening low Eb, the Dragon, and that Spear statement on F, euphonium on the bass trumpet parts, and BBb on everything else. It worked well tonight, the other brass players noticed it and approved. The conductor, good as he is, has other concerns I'm sure, so he didn't say anything. What a PITA to carry all that, plus my tuba rest.

Oh, both the tubas are pointing at about a 45º angle or less, just to get more resonance without the backlash the ceiling causes. The keyboard player next to me doesn't really appreciate it, but that's her problem.

This really is terrific. I can't find any indication that any of The Ring has been done in St Louis before this. I could be wrong on that, but certainly not for a long time. These singers on stage are doing in with orchestra, in German, and really are quite good. A great resume' builder for them, especially. I can't wait for Die Walkure!!!

[eupher61]

Hey, Ian....are the other 3 similar in scope to Rheingold? big tuba, doubling bass trumpet? With some cb trombone stuff thrown in for good measure? How is The Ride?

[Rick Denney]

Sorta makes sense to me that the big horn would work. I find I can play my Holton as softly as my F (maybe not on that in-the-staff G, though), but it retains the depth of sound. That depth will add bottom to the reduced ensemble and make it sound bigger. The big tuba might actually be more important in this situation than with a full orchestra.

So, did the orchestra end up paying you for the double?

Rick "who played Barnum! in an abbreviated pit orchestra (for school-aged singers) and used the big tuba" Denney

[eupher61]

Rick, BBb and F tubas do not constitute a double. Euphonium does. So, yes, I'm getting doubler pay.
I really feel the issue is the ceiling height. Anywhere else, that G is easy, on either tuba. It's not bad enough to make me not want the gig, by any means. The company is doing great stuff, and always with orchestra. That doesn't happen in most local opera companies.

[eupher61]

http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/a ... f6878.html