Posted by DanN on August 20, 2001 at 18:14:55:
In Reply to: Bruckner posted by Steve Dedman on August 20, 2001 at 17:43:51:
A small correction:
Bruckner's 4th, 5th and 6th symphonies specify bass tuba, whilst the 7th, 8th and 9th call for a contrabass tuba. Bruckner started asking for the bigger horn after he heard a performance of the Ring Cycle. This makes sense as Bruckner also adds 4 Wagner Tubas in Symphonies 7,8&9. Rumor has it that Bruckner paid NO attention to what was happening on stage when he saw the Ring performed. He said there for 13 or so hours gazing into the orchestra pit mesmerized by the music and size of the orchestra.
As for an answer for your question, I've played Bruckner 4 and 5 and my Apollo F tuba (not your normal F, but a bass tuba none the less) with good results. Maybe Jay Bertolet could help us with this, but I'd bet the Bruckner 4 would sound awesome on a Willson E flat! As for 7,8&9, you'd have to be a crazy man to do these on a bass tuba!
DanN