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Hi, I received a list of repertoire for the orchestra with which I play. One of the selections is the Firebird Suite 1919 version. I've not played this before. Would an F tuba be appropriate for this music? (Admittedly, I'm looking for opportunities to play my recently acquired F) Would this have been the sound that Stravinsky had in mind as he composed for an early 20th century French orchestra? Thanks in advance for any insights.
Pete

Miraphone Firebird?

I often wonder if he had the "French Tuba" in mind for certain of his works. Petruschka "Bear Solo" and "Right of Spring" come to mind. Much of his work was for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo; a French orchestra. F tubas were not a favorite choice for the French. The simple term "Tuba" (in France) for some time meant the 8 or 9 foot C or Bb French Tuba, Saxhorn Basse. Tuba Contrabasse or Saxhorn Contrabass was usually stipulated when the large instrument was required. Though in "Le Deluge" Saint Saens calls for 2 tubas in (Eb and Bb) It seems today, that national preferences are not as exclusive as they once were. So almost anything goes. Even Bydlo on a BAT. The point is that the best possible sound/interpretation is what it is about, not the key of an instrument. I would say if you get the appropriate sound (whatever that be) then it matters not so much on what it is played.

Often thought about this.It's logical to assume that a composer writes for what he's got.
It's however just a logical to assume he wrote for the sound in his head and made do with what he had. Being Russian that would be a larger tuba. Since from experience some sounds wouldn't be as nice on the French Tuba (let's just call it an euphonium) he might have then chosen to put some things up an octave.
Pure speculation of coarse. It's impossible to really know.