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I'm preparing to play Salome for the first time--just got the book. I'm wondering of those of you who may have played or studied it: Would you use just CC or would you use your F for parts of it as well? I'm playing a version for reduced orchestra and the part just says Tuba Bassa. Thoughts and recommendations appreciated!

The last time I played this reduced version, I did it all on a 4/4 C. It was not too hard but if that piece came around again, I think I would use my bigger Eb for the whole thing. Enjoy, great piece!

Thanks! I have a 5/4 C and an F that's on the small side, so that is my dilemma. I'm leaning toward just using C at the moment.

That will be quite a dilemma for you. What I can tell you about the reduction (if it's the same one I played) is that the tuba part isn't hugely different than the full version except there are a few instances where 5th and 6th horn parts get put in your part. That means playing upper range stuff without sounding huge like a tuba will up there. Based on the fact that you have such widely divergent instruments, I'm guessing your best play will be to bring both horns. I remember not having an easy time making my 4/4 CC fit into those spots effectively. I did it but it wasn't very easy. I would think a 5/4 CC would be even tougher. If I were in your shoes (as much as I hate bringing 2 tubas to a gig) I think I would bring both. Good luck!

I see, thanks for the advice. I don't feel so bad about bringing two tubas if I'm playing horn parts!

I had the pleasure of performing this back in October/November with the Dallas Opera on my 3/4 Rudy Meinl CC. I agree with Jay, not having a small CC and given the fact that at times you're in the staff and playing wild melodic lines, you definitely need a bass tuba. There's also some meaty low stuff that needs a contrabass sort of rumble and resonance...There's nothing wrong with taking two horns, just make sure you don't end up needing to bring two mutes as well!

You may start the rehearsals and realize that you can do the whole thing on F, depending on the size of your horn, size of the ensemble, and acoustic properties of the hall. Either way, have fun!

Jeff