Posted by Marty Neilan on July 27, 2000 at 07:45:25:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: YFB-621 posted by Jay Bertolet on July 27, 2000 at 06:37:57:
Jay is absolutely right about the composer's original intent. I just wanted to add why Berlioz called for a Bb anc a C, instead of two Bb's or even just one instrument. The "Awful"cleide was so inconsistent in its range of playing that the only way to be sure every note came out as clear as the previous was to double it on the two different keyed instruments. Hopefully, neither would share the same bad notes. That would be akin to a composer writing out a part today for both BBb and CC tuba to share. Fortunately, that is no longer necessary with today's equipment and players. Berlioz did fall in love with the tuba after its development and wrote tuba on top of many of the ophicleide parts. Many conductors now, right or wrong, prefer a powerful Dies Iraes that will throw you into the back of your seat. After all - if you went to see the CSO or NYPO and they played an creepy MP Dies Iraes instead of a FF one, wouldn't you walk away just a little bit disappointed?