Tony E wrote:Does it raise any ethical questions when an artist poses for an album cover showing an instrument, which is in fact not the instrument used on the recording, knowing that the manufacturer intends to create a false impression (presumably for a fee)?
Tony, Tony, Tony! I can only tell you what J.F. told me! It is possible that the photo was not taken on the same day that the recording was done. As to whether or not it was a promotional gimmick, I doubt it. I don't believe that he endorsed Holton tubas. A side note is that he also told me that he got his first Holton on a trip to N.Y. in a pawn shop for $500! Hardly an endorsement horn! My impression always was that John really didn't like to play the CC tuba that much, but did it because of pressures from conductors who were guest conducting American orchestras and being influenced by American orchestral tubists who were beginning to play larger horns.
I am going to second what Richard has already said, that Fletcher never used the Holton tubas in the PJBE. I base this on a conversation I had with him in 1984 at the International Brass Conference held at Indiana University. We had just finished judging the mock orchestra tuba audition and John, myself, Ron Bishop, and Fritz Kaenzig all went to a bar within walking distance of the music building. Over lunch I specifically asked if he had used the Holton for the recording of the Stephen Dodgson Septet. (If you know this recording you also know that it features the tuba in a very resonant, well written part.) He said he never used anything but the EEb in any of the PJBE recordings or performances.
From what I understand, and this is somwhere between third and 100th hand information, the photographers asked for the most impressive looking instrument he had for the shoot.
Dr. Frank Gazda
Professor of Music, Delaware State University
Shires 7YLW F/Gb/D Thayer valve bass trombone, Doug Elliott 112.L.L8
Shires 7YM tenor trombone, DE XT106.G.G8
SE Shires Q41 euphonium, DE XT106.I.I8
Eastman EBE 853 Eb tuba, DE TU 130N.P.P16
In the early 50's the Chicago Sy,phony Brass Quintet was formed and they did some touring during the symphony's off season (remember it was a 44 week season back then). After a few years, they began an association with Holton. The requirements were that they played Holton instruments. Here's were the 345 was developed and Mr Jacobs played it in the quintet. I am not sure how much it was used with the symphony but he did keep a Holton B flat at Orchestra Hall (later sold to Keating Johnson). Maybe someone else (like Bob Rusk) can fill in the holes here.
When the PBJE performed at Northwestern (late 70s or early 80s), the only instrument Mr. Fletcher used was the EEb.
I believe that he had stated that the photo with the Holton was taken just before or after an LSO rehearsal or recording session. It was the only tuba he had with him, so it was used in the photo.
He also apparently used a Rudy 5/4 CC in the orchestra, FWIW.
happyroman wrote:
He also apparently used a Rudy 5/4 CC in the orchestra, FWIW.
This is very true. I have a DVD with LSO/Bernstein doing Mahler 2. Now the funny thing is if I remember correctly was that at one point he is clearly playing a Rudy(rotor) but later it is a Holton(piston). Not sure why but maybe the video was pieced together over acouple performances. At any rate he sounds great! I am a for certain fan of alot of his orchestra work. The Proko 5 is fantastic as well as the Rach Sym 2. He found the mic nicely.
Doc wrote:Mic placement is important, Ralph. How did yours go last night?
Doc
Oh I agree, Doc. I was saying that it was TONS of talent and mic placement. If there was a misunderstanding, whoops! Last night was just fine, thank you.
Tony E wrote:
On the topic of PJBE album covers, what rotary valve tuba is in the balloon basket on the cover of "The Lighter Side". Is that a big 'ol dent in the bell throat? Was that horn ever used by Fletch in the PJBE?
Tony
Just a picture with a collage of brass instruments. You'll notice that there is a flugel and F horn in there that are disproportionately big compared to the other horns. As for what the horn looks like. I would say it looks like a Meinl-Weston 25, but I could be wrong.
Romans 3:23-24
Billy Morris
Rudolf Meinl Model 45, Musikmesse Horn
Boosey & Hawkes Imperial Eb (19" Bell)
1968 Besson New Standard Eb (15" Bell)
Last night was just fine, thank you. 