Posted by Steve Oberheu on May 15, 2001 at 06:17:38:
In Reply to: Bydlo: Musicianship vs. Masculinity ? posted by Matt G on May 14, 2001 at 20:13:49:
Bravo Matt!! I think that's absolutely the right reason to pass the solo on. It has nothing to do with ego or ability to play high on 10 different tubas, but rather what sounds good to best serve the music...and that's the bottom line.
Nobody cares that you're using a 6/4 horn because it "sounds heavy and lumbering like an oxcart should." I think large tubas just don't sound good on Bydlo, and that has nothing to do with the fact that accuracy is diminished. Huge sound does not always equal sad and mournful, or whatever emotion you associate with Bydlo. It's a big ox, but it sure ain't graceful. Sure, great players can make anything sound great.....I would prefer a great player on a tenor than a Yorkbrunner anyday.
Now, having said that...I think we should have Bydlo prepared because you never know when some conductor will want the tubist doing the solo.