Posted by Klaus on May 16, 2001 at 12:32:37:
In Reply to: Re: Re: French C Tuba vs Euphonium posted by Kenneth Sloan on May 16, 2001 at 11:45:03:
Not being Rick, but having somewhat parallel views in at least this matter:
You have centered exactly in the bull’s eye of the problem.
The solo part most definitely calls for an approach along the sounding incarnation, that Ravel envisioned (or should that be enaudited?). Best choice of instrument: an original French C 6 valve tuba. Second best choice: the same instrument in it present day 5 valve Bb version. Third best choice: a modern pro euph with a mouthpiece in the Schilke 60/ Yeo Signature magnitude.
Which of these options will be generally be the most accessible?
For the rest of the piece, where the tuba fills the function of the brass section foundator, the instrument to select of course should be a modern symph tuba, that can provide the strength needed to balance the group.
Klaus