Bernstein Divertimento - Why Euph?

[timayer]

In the Bernstein Divertimento, the tuba solo in the Blues section is specified to be done with a euphonium if possible. It seems like an odd choice to me. The range of the solo lies better on an F tuba than a euphonium (E slightly below the staff to C# slightly over it). And it's not as natural a doubling instrument as trombone/euph. Having listened to several recordings, I also think it sounds better on an F tuba (but that might be a personal bias). And the whole movement can be played on F tuba pretty easily. It gets low enough that it doesn't seem realistic to do the whole thing on euphonium.

ALL THAT SAID.

Leonard Bernstein was nothing if not opinionated. The notation in the music doesn't require euphonium but says to use it "if possible." So he probably preferred it that way.

Does anyone know why?

[MaryAnn]

If I had to guess, which I definitely am, he must have preferred the sound of a euph in that register.

[timayer]

If I had to guess, which I definitely am, he must have preferred the sound of a euph in that register.

I just want to clarify here. Are you saying, because I think you are, that Leonard Bernstein and I, who are musical and intellectual equals in every way, may have a different opinion as to what is appropriate in this passage? I'm sorry. I simply can't accept that.

He must have wanted that "always beautiful" sound.

Snark aside, this would make sense if it weren't specified to be played with a "jazz mute." That's the part that gets me. If you're going to mute it anyway, and you want something smaller than a tuba, just give it to the bass bone.

MaryAnn is probably right - He wanted something small but not as bright as a trombone. Just seems like an odd choice to me given what I wrote above.

[bort]

It premiered in 1980 with the Boston Symphony. Perhaps Chester Schmitz could be asked about this, maybe he knows something other details?

[Rick F]

Every video I find of this it's played with an F tuba. And... it's muted anyway.

[Matt Good]

It was composed with Chester Schmitz in mind.

It's also some nice doubling $$$!
-Matt

[Tom Gregory]

I studied with Chester Schmitz from 1985-88. He once told me LB heard him playing euphonium and found it to be one of his most favorite sounds later in life. He liked so much, he told Chester he would write a solo for it in his next piece. It’s not likely Chester reads this board but if you can contact him, he might relate the story.