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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?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.