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Dear Tubenetters,

do you maybe know if there is such a tradition in Switzerland that they only play E-flat or F tubas in orchestras? I'm talking about a "national" tradition like in Germany, Austria (F-tuba), England E flat. etc.

Thanks a lot, very appreciated!

Since the Swiss folk music and band tradition is quite similar to the South German/Austrian, I would expect the same F/Bb tuba preference in Swiss orchestras - at least in the Schwyzerdütsch parts.

Switzerland is a country made up of three rather distict parts (German, Italian and French) and they have had numerous different influences from invading armies over the centuries. The orchestral landscape is very diverse ranging from absolutely top notch orchestras (Tonhalle and Opera Orchestra in Zürich) to some semi-professional smaller orchestras (whoes names will not be mentioned here...). As most of the professional tubists are from abroad (USA, England, Holland as well as a handfull of Swiss) the tubas used vary a great deal. I use, depending on repertoire, F, E-flat, C, B-flat or Cimbasso in my orchestra. The tubists in Zürich play C and F as well as E-flat. There is (thank god) no national tradtion like there is in Germany. In regards to the choice of tuba they are (as with most things swiss) neutral.

I hope this helps
Karl Schimke

karltuba wrote:...In regards to the choice of tuba they are (as with most things swiss) neutral.

Ah...neutral...is that the political correct word for undecided?

Sorry, couldn’t resist. Love your country by the way.

Patrick

james,
The Curtis Institute of Music (although an AMAZING orchestra) is not a professional ensemble. wasn't there a post about this? :lol:
interesting thread though.

-casey