TubeNet

As a summer project, I am working on the Grondahl Trombone Concerto... on the tuba. I've heard this piece innumerable times, and I finally have my hands on the music. Does anybody have any tips for working on this piece (perhaps some interpretative for playing trombone music on the tuba), or perhaps a recommended recording for me to listen to? Thanks!

fenne1ca wrote:As a summer project, I am working on the Grondahl Trombone Concerto... on the tuba. I've heard this piece innumerable times, and I finally have my hands on the music. Does anybody have any tips for working on this piece, or perhaps a recommended recording for me to listen to? Thanks!

Ask a trombone forum? Seriously.

Chuck"who thinks the Bach Cello Suites sound like a sweet summer project"Jackson

Chuck Jackson wrote:Ask a trombone forum? Seriously.

I wasn't aware there was a trombone forum. I just figured that people on here know a lot about low brass in general (and euphonium players often borrow this piece). I'm just looking for advice, there's no need to mock me for it.

I didn't take Chuck's response as mocking in the least. Surely you realize most tuba and euphonium players won't have intimate knowledge of this piece. Asking a trombone forum for more specific tips is very good advice indeed.

As the accompanist for the OSU trombone studio for the last several years, I have worked on this piece with several very fine trombonists. All of them have mentioned the (a?) Christian Lindberg recording as the "recording to listen to" of the Grondahl. Check it out for the often-replicated places to take the written music up an octave (especially the last bit of the second movement, and the "third" section of the last movement). An added low Db at the end of the second movement is also a nice touch that is not notated in the music.

I must admit that I would not have thought of using this piece on tuba, but thinking about it now it does seem like it would work rather well. The melodies are such that taking them down an octave into the tuba range will work fine in most cases...this is not the case in many trombone/euphonium solos with more intricate harmony and the use of more seventh and non-chord tones in the melody that don't work down the octave very well (reference the Arthur Pryor solos that many tuba players try to "make work" at the octave). There are a few cadence points where the soloist resolves to the third of the chord which will sound very muddy down an octave...you may need to make some octave corrections to avoid this problem.

Advice for preparing the concerto? I'm not sure what you're looking for...there's nothing particularly demanding about it; in fact, the technical ability needed for this piece is much less than many similar-level tuba concerti in the standard repertoire. Your fingers certainly won't get a workout playing the Grondahl. The usual big problem is rhythmic integrity in the last movement - you'll need to be very secure with 6/8 rhythms that are purposefully unusual. Good luck!

Thanks, that will be very helpful!

I've worked on this with Euphonium students before. This recording doesn't suck:

http://www.amazon.com/Slide-Area-Gloria ... B0000038J2" target="_blank

I've always wanted to work this up on tuba, but down a 5th or so. High Db's, while very playable, are not especially pleasant to listen to. However, I've never had the time to sit down and enter it into finale.

It's a lovely piece, and you should have a great time with it!

fenne1ca wrote:

Chuck Jackson wrote:Ask a trombone forum? Seriously.

I wasn't aware there was a trombone forum. I just figured that people on here know a lot about low brass in general (and euphonium players often borrow this piece). I'm just looking for advice, there's no need to mock me for it.

Not mocking, just offering a suggestion. I assumed that you being a student at a well known university would know that there is a trombone forum, but that goes to show you what I know. Obviously I posted before you edited your post. Lindberg plays the piece better than anyone. IMHO, it is second-tier music, pretty, but vapid. My Bach reference was my OPINION that the Suites may be a better use of one's time. But in the end, it is your time. Enjoy.

Chuck"mystified"Jackson

I could very easily be mistaken, but I feel like I have heard John Stevens play the Grondahl on tuba, potentially at the Army Conference. If that did actually happen, then the recording may still be online, and would be well worth listening to. I would get in touch with Prof. Stevens and ask him about it.

- Crappy

http://www.tromboneforum.org/" target="_blank

As a trombonist myself, my favorite recording of this concerto is by Christian Lindberg, on the CD Romantic Trombone Concertos...orchestra and all. It may even be available in MP3 format on Amazon.com.

You are right, Crappy the wise. I was present for that performance. I feel like it was just played down an octave, since it was accompanied by orchestra and transposing all those parts would perhaps be a pain.