Posted by Jim Self on September 29, 2002 at 22:59:30:
In Reply to: Re: Opera Parts posted by Cimbasso Player on September 29, 2002 at 22:09:49:
Hi Dan,
You are correct! Tuba is not the right instrument for Puccini or Verdi. The cimbasso is the correct instrument and it is trombone-like in bore and bell direction (i.e. valve contra-bass trombone). It's just that not all tuba players have cimbassi. Like I said, I don't want tubists to lose a job--you trombone guys have enough. There is another reason. Tuba players are usually principals and get overscale--even when they play cimbasso. When a bass trombonist does it , management saves money and again the tuba player makes zilch! (maybe you get overscale when you play cimbasso--if so, great for you). It doesn't matter in the Met (except musically) because the tubist still gets his check.
I knew I would raise the shackles of trombonists--even on a tuba list!
Cimbasso Forever!!!
Jim