Bass vs. Tonal color


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Posted by Matt G on May 09, 2001 at 09:41:10:

With all of the discussion of octave dropping, extended low range, pedal tones, etc. I was thinking if the composers use this extension of range for bass or color. My prime example is the bass trombone. I feel its main job if to provide tonal color almost exclusively in orchestral works with the tuba present and wind ensemble works with a real bass trombone part. The tuba(s) and/or string basses provide more fundamental. And I agree that mainly we only produce only upper harmonics in the pedal register on the tuba, but the resultant tones make our mind imagine the fundamental. However, new composers do write music down here and now do it with more frequency. So, are they going for color or fundamental? I think tubas in octaves can mimic the "pipe organ sound", but if composers wanted true "bass" wouldn't they use a synthesizer or even electric bass which can produce much more fundamental? What do you guys think, bass or fundamental.
Thanks,
Matt G


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