38 years removed from VW

[windshieldbug]

Eating VW one bite at a time...

[pjdicris]

The only "musical" suggestion that I'll offer is (in my opinion ) the solo part in the solo/piano edition that is available is extraordinarily over-edited with far too many articulation markings (which, I've read, can be traced back to the piece's first performer), and each revision (at least, to me) seems more and more off track. If you know someone who has copied (and I'm not discussing the legality of this here) the old manuscript rental score (that was sent out with the rental parts) that should open your eyes.

Check out this edition: http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/con ... c/19748202" target="_blank

It's the one I have. For tuba-dweebs, it has in-depth information about the various versions/editions of the solo, and the changes within.

[thevillagetuba]

I will try to find a Catilinet recording.

This should be one here, courtesy of YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub8iUwJufbI

[PaulMaybery]

Hi Terry.
Ah! Going back to being young again and fearless. (I believe 1969.) Did a faculty recital performance of RVW Mvt's 1 & 2 on a Miraphone BBb 186. Also on that same recital, the Wilder "Effie Suite." I used to think that horn could do anything. Then in 1977 did the band version (all 3 mvt's) on a MW 6v F. (by then I had the F under my fingers for 7 years and actually did a physical fitness daily routine inlcluding the Claude Gordon (to maximize breathing and various related skill sets) Several years later I did the orch version also on the same F. Unfortunately that week, I seriously injured my back and was in a rather uncomfortable situation, but still pulled it off without screwing up anything. Just not that glorious sound and phrasing such as on my earlier run.

I recall when I first attemted to read the piece in 1969, the high tesitura was the issue. The sharp key of the 2nd mvt was an initial stumbly block as well. I was studying in Europe at the time and was first introduced to the F tuba. It made a lot of sense to get one and start working with it. That all happened in fall of 1970. Today, I think I would never want to attempt it on anything other than an F tuba (or if I had it under the fingers the Eb)
For 10 years I worked as Divisional Music Director for the Salvation Army and had at my disposal a fine Besson Sovereign Eb and tried working up the 1st two mvt's. While I perferred that rich Eb sound, I never quite felt as comfortable as on the F. Now I have well over 45 years with a lot of playing on the F and it is without a doubt my first choice for solos. I suppose the 184 CC would be my second choice, had I really learned this piece on that horn.

There are slightly different versions of what I believe was intended to be "the" version, but certain little mistakes and variants to the cadenza have come and gone. That to me is a non-issue as I have basically come up with my own little edits. (Nothing awfully far from the page)

Probably the skill set that I believe is the most important on this is developing a strong and comfortable breathing technigue, otherwise, trying to play this high register "on the teeth" will "kill you."

For many tuba players, the RVW was the basic training or boot camp for up and aspiring players. It was the gold standart or bench mark by which we could measure ourselves. Accomplishment of it could give you a sense that you were indeed ready to tear into life in the professional tuba world. However, for me I found that at the moment I could actually perform it, that same moment I realized that I was only standing at the threshold of my playing career and still had a ton to learn. Today their are works that are so much more challenging technically, though I believe that for sheer beauty and aesthetics, it (RVW) remains my favorite and it is a wise choice for something to occupy the time it takes to learn.

Good luck with it Terry and most of all enjoy the process. (I forget the author, but the old saying. "How do you tackle eating an elephant? "One bite at a time.")