Bruckner 7 Instrument Choice(s)?

[Z-Tuba Dude]

Hey folks!

To anyone who has played Bruckner 7th: What are your thoughts about playing bass tuba for movements 1 & 3, and contrabass for movements 2 & 4?

I know that there are many editions of the symphony out there, and there is a discrepancy between the Nowak version that Abe Torchinsky used for his "Tuba Players Orchestral Repertoire" edition, and the version that I am currently playing with an orchestra.

I had not previously considered the use of bass, until noticing the designation on the part that I am currently using. The Nowak version states contrabass throughout, but having just played the first rehearsal on a 6/4 horn, I did feel that the big horn was a bit heavy, particularly in the third movement.

Certainly the whole thing can be played on contrabass, but in reviewing the parts for movements 1 & 3, I think that the tessitura does indeed suggest bass tuba.

Is there a general agreement out there???

[cambrook]

I've played Bruckner 7 a few times over the years, and I always used to play it all on CC. The last time we played it I used F for movements 1 & 3, and CC for 2 & 4, and it works really well - I wish I'd done it before!

[bort]

Not totally an answer, but when I saw Berlin play Bruckner 9, Alexander von Puttkamer switched back and forth between BBb and F many times, sometimes even within a movement. I like F tubas, so I say go with that.

[J.c. Sherman]

Both and Bass and Contra are indicated. Yasuhito Sugiyama used both to excellent effect with TCO.

J.c.S.

[hbcrandy]

Even though the movements are marked, alternately, bass, contrabass. bass, contrabass, I cannot imagine not playing the entire piece on the CC tuba. That may be my Philadelphia and New York training bias showing.

[jeopardymaster]

When I played it in a reading rehearsal ages ago I alternated between my old Cerveny 601 BBb and my Mirafone 184 CC. Afterwards, the first trombone asked "Why did you bring 2 tubas?" He hadn't noticed a thing. Last time I saw/heard it performed was Tokyo Philharmonic in Suntory Hall. Don't remember the tubist's name but he was exquisite, and yes, he alternated between what looked like a Gronitz PCK and a PF. Could be wrong about the brand, but no question as to the keys.