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I have just got a gig to play Coppelia next Monday and wonder if anyone can tell me about the tuba part, or better still has the music for me to have a look? All I've got is a very interesting looking excerpt which I will practice

I cannot make the rehearsal the day before, so will be sight reading for the gig!

THis part was up for discussions a few years ago. I couldn’t find an online score, only a piano reduction. However a view at the Mazurka bass theme appeared to have A below the staff as the lowest note. That would fit the formal range of a 3 valve Eb tuba, which under the name of Contrebasse en Mi bémol appears having been the French orchestral (really military) tuba before the French C tuba.

Klaus

Definitely not one for your VMI - you'll want to be very light on your feet and not leave all that residual Neptunian WHOMP sound around. Too beaucoup. Ideal on a French C, but since you probably don't have one of those (who does?) an F or Eb should do. I played it on my 184 many years ago and snuck by - today I would use my 983 without hesitation, though with a lot of self-control.

It is a gas to play. You're going to have a good time, especially if your trombones and horns are able and tasteful.

I don't have a part to share, unfortunately.

jeopardymaster wrote:Definitely not one for your VMI - you'll want to be very light on your feet and not leave all that residual Neptunian WHOMP sound around.

Without doubt I will be taking my PT-15 F

The Neptune will rather be out on Saturday for Tchaikovsky Manfred

Hi Jonathan,

Sorry I don't have a part to send you, but the excerpt is really the most significant (and the most challenging) section. When you've got that down you won't have any trouble with the rest of it.

There are a couple of version of "that bit", one has no rests in the running quaver section while the other has a rest after the high note before it restarts. In any case, sort out the breathing with the bass trombone as you are both in unison throughout all of this excerpt.

Have fun

Cam

BE VERY CAREFUL OF THE COUNTING. Once you start the "BIG" section (you'll recognize it) it is hard not to try to play it in 2. Play the accents and don't forget the thing is in 3 or you will find yourself crosswise with the rest of the orchestra when it plays the accented notes with you. The running stuff is fun. ENJOY.

Chucl

ben wrote:What else is on the program?

I don't know except only the Coppelia includes tuba

Thanks for the feedback guys. I am looking forward to it!

I've played Coppelia many times with the San Jose Ballet. Most of the part is pretty easy. The only thing that needs looking at is the mazurka. Depending on the production, it could be played quickly, or tempo di tear ***. I play it on F tuba. It lies right in the wheelhouse, and just 'sounds right.' If you can't get a part, email me offline and I may be able to help.

sent pm

Hi,

If it helps your concept, this is an ophicleide part, so play it as lightly as possible, focusing on the articulations. Keep the volume down as low as you can manage. Always think forward, and don't slow down.

I did once show up for a gig doing Tchaik 6, and this was also on the program (I didn't know beforehand.) I had to do it on a Yorkbrunner. It worked pretty well, which proves that it's (to a great extent) all in the concept!