tosca low brass parts

TonyTuba · Post by **TonyTuba** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:04 pm

Anyone know what instrumentation is commonly used to play this opera? Is it a four trombone part thing, or is the 4th part a cimbasso part that can be done easily on tuba?

Matt Ransom · Post by **Matt Ransom** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:11 pm

Hi Tony -
Tosca is written with 4 trombone parts if memory serves correctly. When tuba is used as the 4th bone, Tenors are 1st & 2nd bone, a bass trombone on 3rd, and tuba on the 4th part.
Each time I have played Tosca, I have used F tuba. CC tuba is just too heavy, in my opinion. The 4th part is notated as contrabass trombone, I think.

There are some fun licks in there. Enjoy.
Hope you are doing well.

Matt

J.c. Sherman · Post by **J.c. Sherman** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:17 pm

Never Use a Tuba for Verdi - he hated the instrument!

Here in Cleveland, we used two tenor trombones, one bass, and Cimbasso. We likewise follow that convention for Puccini.

J.c. Sherman

Matt Ransom · Post by **Matt Ransom** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:32 pm

I'm quite sure you are correct.
If I had access to a cimbasso, I would give it a go, but I don't.

The conductors have certainly never complained.

I also would like to think the tuba is a much more advanced instrument now than in Verdi's time. The instrument itself and the ability of the players has improved greatly.

J.c. Sherman · Post by **J.c. Sherman** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:57 pm

First, wanna rent mine?

Second, the main difference (in my mind) between Cimbasso and Tuba - new or historic - is not the quality or calibre of player or instrument, but basic sound - conical vs. cylindrical. The Cimbasso serves as bass of the trombone section. A tuba forms a bass of the orchestra - whether it wants too or not. The blend and balance is entirely different.

J.c. Sherman

Ed Jones · Post by **Ed Jones** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 7:09 pm

I played it about a month ago. The part is marked 4th trombone and could easily be played on a bass trombone. A cimbasso would be appropriate as well. I used an F tuba. I don't recall there being anything especially tricky about the part. There are huge chunks of tacet so bring plenty of reading material. Great music to read by.

TonyTuba · Post by **TonyTuba** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:14 pm

the word I am getting is that they are going to use only 3 trombone parts for a prodution here in NC. is there an edition of this opera that does use only 3 low brass? ther is not enough work as it is, but lately they have been cutting the tuba whenever they can. sucks to be me.