Works for trio?

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CC
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Works for trio?

Post by CC »

Tuba/Euphonium hive mind:
Are there any specific trio works that would work well for the instrumentation of flute, oboe and tuba? Baroque is where my mind goes first but I’m looking to track down specific pieces. Thank you and Happy New Year!
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imperialbari
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Re: Works for trio?

Post by imperialbari »

Baroque performance traditions most often call for a thorough bass, which may be represented in several different ways: harpsichord left hand, theorbo, bass viol, cello, bassoon, and more rarely bass trombone. Each alone or in combinations depending on the ensemble size. And then this bass line may be taken down an octave without harm to the harmony. The addition of chords in the harpsichord right hand, by lute, or by guitar is implied, but not mandatory.

The representation of the melody line was often specified, but in general was done with which instruments were available. Recorder (alto in F, Voice Fluye in D), traverso, oboe, or violin all were considered legitimate substitutions for each other with range and key being decisive factors, whether a given instrument would work well for a given piece. Instruments like the ones mentioned also could cover vocal parts.

Likely all redundant for you, but it gives you an immense field to search in IMSLP. Duets, trio sonatas, excerpts from instrumental works, from operas, from cantatas, or from oratorios. If you hear something that might be relevant, go for it and check if the ranges will work.

As for playing the bass line loco or 8basso you might consider whether a bass tuba often playing in its upper range will sound too strained compared to the problems of keeping the sound together, when a contrabass tuba plays the bass line an octave lower. Playing in equal temperament intervals may not be a good idea, as baroque music was intended for just intervals with the major thirds being flatter.

One shortie that sounded good for flute, clarinet, and bass trombone is the first trio from the last movement of Bach’s Brandenburgische Konzert #1.

Klaus
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