Posted by Kevin Miller on June 13, 1999 at 21:34:03:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Using a sousaphone in an orchestra posted by Sam Gnagey on June 13, 1999 at 19:38:21:
The Paul Whiteman Orchestra premiered An American in Paris. In many pictures of the Whiteman orchestra, a sousaphone would be prominently displayed. Of course in those days, primative recording technology demanded that a directional instrument be used. I wonder if a sousa was used on that premier concert? I have a recording of the Whiteman Orchestra playing and American in Paris with George Gerswin on the piano. It's pretty primative as far as sound quality is concerned. I could not even hear if there was a tuba part even written, but due to mic placement, the bass clarinet sounds like it's playing a concerto to beat the band. The Whiteman Orchestra was a unique ensemble, quasi jazz, quasi classical. Whiteman knew what kind of music to play........the kind that made money!