TubeNet

Hi, I recently had the pleasure of getting to know a terrific percussionist, through a program which requires everyone involved to play chamber music. Since most of the other people there are string players, and even putting together a brass quintet from the group will be tough, i thought one fun idea would be a piece for tuba and percussion. The only problem is, I don't know of any pieces. I'm sure some of you do, though, which is why I'm posting here, looking for suggestions. Skill level is not an issue, as we are both technically and musically proficient, and the program consists of mostly practicing and rehearsing. The only important thing is that the piece we play has to rock. We will be playing on the same chamber music concerts as some amazingly talented string players, playing things like Brahms trios and Beethoven quartets. What I need is a piece where the audience walks away thinking "man, that tuba/percussion piece was amazing!"
Any Suggestions?

Thanks
Elliot

I performed a piece by the composer Erik Lund on my masters recital that fits your description. Erik is now on faculty at the University of Illinois. The piece is called Music for Tuba and Mallet Instruments. I would recommend you check out that piece.

I played a piece by William Presser for tuba and timpani that I thought was rather fun. There's Dance Suite for Tuba and Triangle by Beach, which doesn't sound like much, but I've heard it's actually an interesting and fun piece.

When I was in music school I was always looking for different combinations because I hated playing with piano.

mike

I did a transcription of "Anesthesia: Pulling Teeth" by Metallica as an encore to a recital in college. Bass amp, distortion and wah pedal optional...

Just in case you wanted to go non-conventional...

Darleen Mitchell, published American Composers Editions, NY "Journey to the Yellow Springs" for tuba and chimes. It's some far out, hippy, consciousness expanding music!

William Penn "Capriccio" for tuba and marimba, nice patterns.

I've played both with good audience response.

Duane Bierrman "She Being Brand" tuba, tympani and Tenor, if you have a singer.

Bennie Beach wrote, but I forget the name of it, a piece for Tuba and Triangle. Fun.

I don't remember the name of this one either, but I did it on a grad recital, for Tuba and Marimba, prepared marimba at that. Fun, maybe not great music. I'd suggest a search of the BVD Press site. Bryan has the ITEA catalog too.

The Bennie Beach piece is called "Dance Suite for Tuba and Triangle," and it's a real hoot.

Here's a whole album of tuba/percussion. Probably more jazzy than you're looking for, but really good music.

http://www.amazon.com/Deux-Michel-Godar ... favre+deux

There's even some percussion with serpent in there!

Is there anywhere I can listen to the Lund or the Presser? I'm not sure I want to shell out 30 bucks plus shipping to Germany if I'm not interested in the piece. And if this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uih2fSDvLtU" target="_blank" target="_blank is the Beach that was recommended multiple times, maybe I wasn't clear enough about what I'm looking for. Not a tuba solo with some sort of funny accompaniment, but a real piece of chamber music where we will have to get together to rehearse. thanks again for your help

Cappricio for Tuba and Marimba written by William Penn. Gene Pokorny played it on his album "Big Boy". It is the last track.
http://www.mostlymarimba.com/books-a-re ... ory_id=878" target="_blank
You can find it there.

I think the below website will play a brief excerpt for you of the Lund:

http://camil.music.illinois.edu/~eriklu ... works.html" target="_blank

I can't test it out myself, my cpu currently has no speakers connected. Enjoy!

Syd Hodkinson's Omaggio for Tuba and Percussion

http://composers.com/composition/omaggio" target="_blank
http://www.presser.com/Composers/info.c ... YHODKINSON" target="_blank

Excellent piece. Requires virtuosity from both players.

I performed the Kraken for tuba and percussion by Harold Oliver in 2005 or so. . . if you're willing to go a bit "out-there" it can be an effective piece. Also, with the couple of versions of The Clash of the Titans out there, there is the possibility of a multimedia performance. Definitely a piece where you would need to be willing to play with tone color... I got gasps out of a room full of brass players with the first loud note NOT the big, beautiful sound we're all taught!

--T. J.

There's a great piece for tuba and prepared vibraphone called "Residue" by Michael Horwood. He also wrote what he calls "Micro-duets" for various percussion instruments and tuba that are quirky.

Marc Satterwhite wrote a fun but difficult piece called "...And What Rough Beast" that's a gas to play. Gene recorded it on his Big Boy CD.

The updated Tuba Source Book might have some other ideas as well...

KraftWerk by Daniel McCarthy

CC wrote:There's a great piece for tuba and prepared vibraphone called "Residue" by Michael Horwood.

That is the piece I couldn't remember, Chris. Thanks!

But I think I get what the OP is after. Even Residue can go together quickly, with individual practice. He is looking for something intertwined more, more reliant on melding with the other parts, like a quintet does.

The Hartley Concerto for tuba and percussion ensemble fits the bill, but it's not really a chamber piece.

Bach inventions would fit.