Re: Re: Re: Besson F tuba


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Posted by Rick Denney on February 19, 2003 at 10:54:53:

In Reply to: Re: Re: Besson F tuba posted by T. J. Ricer on February 19, 2003 at 08:21:04:

The British orchestral F tuba was made and in use from before the turn of the last century up through the 50's. Fletcher, unable to find one, starting using an Eb. His qualities as a player established a new "tradition" in the UK.

You are right that the old Besson and Boosey orchestral F's were much smaller than this instrument (which looks to me like a cut 983). There were a number of variations, and size also varied between small and smaller. Some were compensating with top-action valves, and some were uncompensated with three top valves and two side valves (these were called Barlow F's, after Harry Barlow, an early player who pioneered their use). Some had interchangeable bells but most did not.

And, to help your memory, Philip Catelinet played the premiere of the Vaughan Williams Concerto, using one of these instruments.

Rick "who thinks a Yamaha 621, despite being front action, is a reasonable modern imitation, except that it plays much better" Denney




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