Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream

[danielhorn]

Within the next few months, I will be performing the Overture to Midsummer Night's Dream by Mendelssohn. My question is what instrument I should use. Unfortunately, I only have access to a large 6/4 CC tuba and a euphonium, and both have some issues (particularly that low B on euphonium). Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Snake Charmer]

Ophicleide. Because Wessex has not made an English Bass Horn yet (this was originally intended by Mendelssohn) (Hint hint...!!!)
Or the smallishest tuba with a small mouthpiece for a really intimate chamber music sound

[macbil]

Shows you what boneheads some conductors are! It was the first piece I ever played for money with a pro orchestra. Scary but we got there. Played it on a Besson E flat. Worked just fine.

[UDELBR]

The French C is the way to go, if you don't have access or ability for an ophicleide, and can wrangle a purchase. This is the instrument French composers wanted for "tuba" parts in their repertoire up until about 1960.

https://wessex-tubas.com/collections/tu ... tuba-tc236

[The Brute Squad]

Neither option is ideal, but if you can hit those E's solidly on the CC, I'd choose that.

[Scott Sutherland]

San Diego Symphony played this recently and Matt Garbutt performed on a Besson Euph (he doesn't play bass tuba). Everyone I talked to said it sounded awesome. Switch as needed to the CC, but I'd play the euph primarily for this overture.

[EdFirth]

The first couple of times I played it I used my King 2341 and it was fine. I heard Jake do it on the York and it was VERY fine. About 20 years later we were about to do it in another group and I got spooked about missing notes...and my Eb was in the shop so I asked Chester Schmitz what he thought and he told me he had used a Besson comp euphonium on it for years. Couldn't get my hands on one but borrowed a King Eb and it went quite well. If I ever have to play it again I'm going for the comp euph, especially now that you can get them so reasonably priced.Ed