Fellow tuba players,
I am trying to transcribe the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, and I am having a slight problem. If I take it in one octave, I must play a G below pedal Bb, and if I take it in another octave, I must play the D or E above the C above middle C. The question is, which octave should I take it in?
Thank you.
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (for tuba)
-
tkdchamp2021
- lurker

- Posts: 19
- Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2013 1:55 am
-
michael_glenn
- 3 valves

- Posts: 325
- Joined: Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:20 pm
- Location: Hamilton, OH
Re: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (for tuba)
I would transpose it up a minor 3rd, making the lowest note a pedal Bb, and highest an F or G above middle C. Just my humble opinion. And if those key signatures look nasty, maybe do the lowest as a low A, or pedal C. Just depends on how it feels.
Michael Ebie
PhD Music Theory (ABD) — University of Cincinnati CCM
MM Music Theory — Michigan State University
MM Tuba Performance — Michigan State University
BM Brass Performance — University of Akron
PhD Music Theory (ABD) — University of Cincinnati CCM
MM Music Theory — Michigan State University
MM Tuba Performance — Michigan State University
BM Brass Performance — University of Akron
- Art Hovey
- pro musician

- Posts: 1508
- Joined: Sun May 02, 2004 12:28 am
- Location: Connecticut
Re: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (for tuba)
IMHO, the goal is to make it sound like music. Choose the key and octave accordingly.
If the notes are too high or too low to play musically then edit them by imagining how Felix M. would have written them for tuba.
If the notes are too high or too low to play musically then edit them by imagining how Felix M. would have written them for tuba.
-
peter birch
- 4 valves

- Posts: 553
- Joined: Wed Aug 09, 2006 3:21 pm
- Location: uk
Re: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (for tuba)
Thomas Wyss has already done the last movement in this little album http://www.justforbrass.com/the-thomas- ... 114055.cfm
courtois 181 EEb
PT24+
PT24+
- Jay Bertolet
- pro musician

- Posts: 470
- Joined: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:04 am
- Location: South Florida
Re: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (for tuba)
I would check out Steven Seward's recording of this, it's amazing. I believe the title of his album is Steven Seward: Kansas City Dances.
My opinion for what it's worth...
Principal Tuba - Miami Symphony, Kravis Pops
Tuba/Euphonium Instructor - Florida International University,
Broward College, Miami Summer Music Festival
Principal Tuba - Miami Symphony, Kravis Pops
Tuba/Euphonium Instructor - Florida International University,
Broward College, Miami Summer Music Festival