TubeNet

OK, new poll for the Tube Net Freak Jury.

What, in your opinion, is the one absolute, hands-down, BEST solo that lays well on a big contrabass tuba?

Let 'er rip!

six studies in english folk song. Great short work(s) that really can help young player develop musicanship and style. Although it may come off as an easy piece it's a piece that every player should perform and continue to look at throughout their career.

Beversdorf Sonata.

Variations on Annie Laurie.

Oh wait, that wasn't just big tuba...



BIG tuba, and harmonium, and something else....contrabassoon? Memory fails once again.

I'm not going to say it's my absolute favorite; but I do like the Frackenpohl Concertino.

If I had to pick one it would be the Hindemith.

I recall listening to Richard White's senior recital at Peabody, thinking how great a player he was, who was doing this excellent playing on his boat of a tuba that he had at the time. I believe it was either a York or Holton 6/4 cut job. Everything was great-rhythm, intonation, style, dynamics. etc. But no clarity. And it wasn't his fault, it was just the equipment he was using.

Mojo workin' wrote: Everything was great-rhythm, intonation, style, dynamics. etc. But no clarity. And it wasn't his fault, it was just the equipment he was using.

Interesting statement.

Granted, I don't know anything about the player mentioned, aside from this post. But, if the equipment used is causing problems, why is that equipment being used? I know, if it's a school-owned instrument it's sometimes difficult to adjust/change/adapt, but I'd bet a 6/4 York or Holton is a personally owned instrument. Why were things being played on it that sounded less than stellar, even with good pitch/time/etc??

I love Prokofiev's "Vison Fugitives" nd "tales of an Old Grandmother" both piano pieces. but my all time favorite solo piece to play is the Albinoni "Concert on D-minor" for Oboe. Either of the Strauss Horn Concertos rocks as well.

Why were things being played on it that sounded less than stellar, even with good pitch/time/etc??

I was just referring to the sound of his tuba. It was big with lots of core, but it was just too fluffy for solo playing for my taste. It was the horn that he was using in school at the time. I had heard him play another student's horn (a CB50 I believe) and he had one of the most gorgeous sounds on it I've ever heard still to this day. I'm sure if he had owned an F tuba at the time, that would have been what his recital was played on.

Richard is principal tuba in the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra.

Phil Taylor

Pieces that I personally like on the Big CC tuba:

John Stevens' Journey
Barry McKimm Concerto
Lebedev Concerto in One Movement
Hindemith Sonata
Song for Carol Alec Wilder

I can't honestly think of more off of the top of my head, but at least that's a start.

The Wilder Sonata is a great "contrabass" solo (as is Effie).

IMHO, the Hindemith Tuba Sonata is, by far, the weakest of the Hindemith Sonata series. Even the Eb Alto Horn Sonata is better. Still, it seems to be the fence that everyone has to jump over.

I would have to say:
Hindemith Sonata
Lebedev Concerto in One Movement
Introduction and dance by Barat.

I'm playing Introduction and Dance for my jury piece it is really working out great. The piece goes all the way down to a pedal C and on a big horn like a 188 i can really let it "sit" on the low range!

For me, it is undoubtedly the Andante Tranquilo by Barry McKimm. listening to it makes me very relaxed and chill

Tcherepnin--Andante

Probably my favorite piece of standard tuba literature AND very flattering for CC tuba. The entrance on the high D always provides some drama, but generally the piece lies in a very buttery range. Plus, its just plain pretty.

Kyle

a2ba4u wrote:Tcherepnin--Andante

Probably my favorite piece of standard tuba literature AND very flattering for CC tuba. The entrance on the high D always provides some drama, but generally the piece lies in a very buttery range. Plus, its just plain pretty.

Kyle

What a nice piece of music.

I have done it many times, both on F and CC.

One of my personal favorites as well.

My pick is Schumann's Fantasiestücke, op. 73. Sounds great on F or C, and is just chock full of beautiful lines.

I must stand for the Barnes Concerto. While not maybe a MAJOR work, it is just a lot of fun to play. Scott Watson had me play it on my Alex when it first was published. The Barnes to me is the 'Tuba Players' Concerto, maybe not the 'Tubist's' concerto.........

schneidah wrote:My pick is Schumann's Fantasiestücke, op. 73. Sounds great on F or C, and is just chock full of beautiful lines.

I played this on piano for my second-to-last piano proficiency course. I have a hard time picturing it on tuba - who did the transcription?

MartyNeilan wrote:

schneidah wrote:My pick is Schumann's Fantasiestücke, op. 73. Sounds great on F or C, and is just chock full of beautiful lines.

I played this on piano for my second-to-last piano proficiency course. I have a hard time picturing it on tuba - who did the transcription?

Floyd Cooley did a rather nice transcription.