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Who is/are the best euph player(s) in the world?

Bob/Nick/Dave Childs, Steven Mead?

I don't want to get in on the discussion of who is "best," but some of my favorites include: David Werden, Steven Mead, Adam Frey, and Brian Bowman.

I've had the pleasure of hearing Adam Frey in person several times. Wonderful tone and great musicianship. I've heard Demondrae Thurman just once--amazing! And I've attended masterclasses conducted by both. The euphonium world is fortunate to have both of them.

There are a number of great euphonium players — just like there are a number of great tuba players... too many for me to pick just one.

knuxie wrote:Why not have a showdown throwdown.....winner take all ultimate contest like they do for fiddlers. Would that solve it once and for all, or at least once every year?

Winner keeps his life. The losers are executed by a combination of viola music and silly questions.

Mark wrote:

knuxie wrote:Why not have a showdown throwdown.....winner take all ultimate contest like they do for fiddlers. Would that solve it once and for all, or at least once every year?

Winner keeps his life. The losers are executed by a combination of viola music and silly questions.

Political correction: "his or her life".

Are you asking:

Who is person who has the most physical ability on the euphonium in the entire world, or,

Who expresses themselves best through the euphonium, or,

Who is my favorite artist to listen to who plays the euphonium, or,

What euphonium player has given the best live performance I've ever heard?

Honestly, I might have 4 different answers for these 4 questions, and they probably won't be the same as anyone else. There is no "best" player, just whomever your personal favorite is.

Now, if you're looking for a list of who to listen to or go see or take a lesson with, that's a different question.

I read in a book that success is not success without a successor. Therefore, I have to say that Robert Childs and Brian Bowman are the top of the list for that reason only. Awesome players who produce awesome players... The world needs more.

mceuph wrote:Are you asking:

Who is person who has the most physical ability on the euphonium in the entire world, or,

Who expresses themselves best through the euphonium, or,

Who is my favorite artist to listen to who plays the euphonium, or,

What euphonium player has given the best live performance I've ever heard?

Honestly, I might have 4 different answers for these 4 questions, and they probably won't be the same as anyone else. There is no "best" player, just whomever your personal favorite.
Now, if you're looking for a list of who to listen to or go see or take a lesson with, that's a different question.

This is my favorite answer.

Rich Watson!

TheHatTuba wrote:Who is/are the best euph player(s) in the world?

The problem with players today is that they view music as a sport instead of an art form.

*

I think Martin's answer is the best. But I like to opine, so here goes.

Based on their recordings, since I have few occasions to hear the top players live, I'll go with:

Most musical: David Childs, Thomas Rüedi (a tie)

Most versatile: Steven Mead

Best American: Demondrae Thurman

Best UK: David Childs

Best pure technique: David Childs

Most elegant playing style: Thomas Rüedi

Best runner up: David Thornton

These are the players who are demonstrably world class.

Me

TexTuba wrote:Me

I am Spartacus!

Ben Pierce is freak. One of the best euph. Players at ITEC 2010.