Switching between tubas during a performance

[rshuster]

I'm curious to hear how many tuba players have used two different tubas for a performance. My main horn is a BBb Mirafone. For a performance of Symphonie Fantastique last year, I played the first section on an Eb horn, switched to BBb for the Dies Irae for a heavier sound, and would have switched back to the Eb for the last page if I had felt more confident about Eb fingering (still getting it down) for those fast triplets up to the high F.

I know some recommend playing a higher horn for the Mahler 1 3rd movement, and I would definitely use my Eb for this if I did it again, and BBb for the other movements.

I would consider doing the same if I played the 2nd tuba part in Rite of Spring again, using the Eb for one or two of the higher sections.

Of course this depends on conductor preferences, too, but wondering if other players do this sort of thing.

[windshieldbug]

All the time!

[ErinBliss]

Yes, this isn't unusual at all. It's a pain in the neck (and back!) bringing multiple horns, but it's worth it to make the music right.

[RotorJoe]

I've concert switched between a Wilson 3400 and an F cimbasso on a few occasions......kinda a pain especially when space is limited.

[rshuster]

Definitely multiple problems: limited space, safety of the horn you're not playing, making sure there's enough time to switch, and picking up a cold horn.

I'd be curious to know what pieces you brought two horns for.

[RotorJoe]

For me the cimbasso was utilized mainly with Italian pieces (Verdi, for example) and for certain 'blues' oriented numbers where the blend of the cimbasso with the 3 trombones was preferred over that of the tuba.