Re: 3-valve Eb/low range/function?


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TubeNet BBS ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by James W on December 14, 2000 at 08:23:48:

In Reply to: 3-valve Eb/low range/function? posted by Jason on December 14, 2000 at 00:53:31:

I played brass band Eb for years, and most of the time a 3 valve is fine. Most of these arrangements are intended to be played with 4 tubas (as is still the standard in an English brass band today), 2 Eb's and 2 BBb's. This leaves the Eb's free for counter melodies, or more often what I can only term a counter bassline, playing off the BBb's, sometimes you play in octaves with the contras, or sometimes even harmony, often quite high in the range. A disturbing concept for any bassliner. The BBb has always been the foundation. Some more modern pieces (from the time when 4th valves became standard issue) do require them on the lower Eb part, as false tones do not really tend to be audiable during the ear shattering fff's that a brass band can produce. These days you can get by with 3, but I'd rather have the extra metal.

James.


Follow Ups: