Posted by jlb on November 04, 2003 at 16:24:03:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: simple answers posted by new topic on November 04, 2003 at 16:14:08:
Many conductors (or at least a few of my experience) will ask the tuba to "lead the beat". The most compelling physical reason that I've heard (IMHO) is that it takes a significant part of a cycle for the human ear to discern a pitch. So it takes a tiny little bit longer for a hearer to hear the tuba than it does to hear, say, the violin. I have no proof that this is actually an issue, but I've read it put forward as an explanation.
I'm sure others will express their own opinions.
jlb