Posted by Richard on March 17, 2003 at 22:07:33:
In Reply to: Bruckner 4 - composer's intent? posted by Bryan on March 16, 2003 at 13:42:38:
It's more important HOW you play than WHAT you play it on. In the case of Bruckner 4, where the part calls for "bass tuba" you can still play effectively and idiomatically on a CC or BBb tuba provided you take into account the tessitura is mostly in the staff and above, so you want to keep it clear and bouyant and not "tub out" your brass section. There is significant lower ledger line action in the Finale, where a contrabass tuba would be justified, though I'm certain that Jay aquitted himself well in these passages on his Eb.