WHAT TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR FIRST CD.....Hmmm

[ufoneum]

Ken,

Thanks for the props on the disc. When I decided to go forward with a CD project, I wanted to do a few things. First, I wanted to record something new and different - not just rip off another recording of the Cosma or Pantomime. So, I tried to find repertoire that I enjoyed, and was not available in a disc that is currently commercially available.

I started with Eric Ewazen's Concerto for Euphonium, which I was lucky enough to get the rights to record for free. I also wanted to record some of my own editions that I had done through Potenza Music, so I included those as well. A work that I had commissioned was the Romance by Noah D. Taylor. The Five Pieces in Folk Song Style was a piece that I thought was in desperate need of a pressing. I studied with Paul Droste during my undergraduate - wanted to get this work recorded for him. And, the last piece is the Duo Concertante - I go to the University of Kansas, and James Barnes' office is right down the hall. I couldn't pass up recording this gem of a duo with trumpet. Also, I couldn't record a euphonium disc without playing a few high Eb's (smile).

So, that was my thinking when I did the CD. I wanted new and different, and to just put out something that people would want to listen to. It was definitely more work than I thought it would be, but it was the most rewarding musical experience I have had yet.

And, I am doing another one this summer. The first one was new and different, and this one will be an educational release. I was looking through my CD's the other day. I think I have 8 recordings of the Cosma Euphonium Concerto, but while teaching a lesson before Christmas I realized that I didn't have a single recording of the Barat Andante and Allegro (played on a euphonium), so I am releasing a disc of purely high school level solos. Stuff that needs to be released, but hasn't. Not a disc of tuh-tuh-guh-tut, but something that can hopefully help a younger player. I mean, isn't that what we are supposed to be doing in the first place?

Anyway, I apologize for the long post, but that was my thought process. Again, Ken - thanks for the kind words.

- Pat Stuckemeyer