Anyone played these concertos?

tubafatness · Post by **tubafatness** » Sun Jul 15, 2007 11:04 am

Has anyone on here played either of the two concertos by Charles Wuorinen? Specifically, they are the "Chamber Concerto for Tuba with 12 Winds and 12 Drums" and the "Prelude to Kullervo" concerto for tuba and orchestra. They sound interesting, and I like what I've heard of the chamber concerto. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Aaron

Chuck Jackson · Post by **Chuck Jackson** » Sun Jul 15, 2007 3:54 pm

I have heard both and decided that they weren't worth the time and trouble. Very dense,harsh, and ridiculously difficult not only for the tuba but the assisting forces. I have played a fair amount of his music throughout my career, and while it has creedence in the pantheon of 20th-21st century music, it is not listener friendly. If you have mad skills,can round up the needed forces (the percussion parts on the first are really complex), and aren't worried about audience response, go for it. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time. YMMV.

Chuck

LoyalTubist · Post by **LoyalTubist** » Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:38 pm

Bad music... bad music...

in my humble opinion

punktuba · Post by **punktuba** » Sun Jul 15, 2007 8:02 pm

He doesnt know what he is talking about. You are obviously interested and like Wuorinen's music so... its good music to you, so his opinion is useless to you. I happen to like his music, too!

I have heard recordings of Ron Bishop, Dan Perantoni, and Don Butterfield playing the Chamber Concerto and it is unbelievably hard for both the soloist and the ensemble. Rhythm is the main thing in this that is really really hard.
Its up to you if its worth it.
There are bootleg recordings of this...

LoyalTubist · Post by **LoyalTubist** » Sun Jul 15, 2007 8:10 pm

Please don't put me down like that in a public forum. I did say it was my opinion. I do know what I am talking about. I don't like this music. If you have seen my other posts on the subject, you know I prefer to do audience friendly music, which I don't think Wuorinen's music is. This is what I mean. If you need a clarification...

BVD Press · Post by **BVD Press** » Sun Jul 15, 2007 10:07 pm

If anyone is curious, there are lots of samples here:

http://www.charleswuorinen.com/

Not my cup-of-tea, but apparently people enjoy it! I am sure most of us wish we had the resume he has put together over the years.

His pieces do have quite interesting instrumentation.