Tuba Ensemble

EEETT; For the University of Southern Mississippi Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble

Why not pair "Enter Autumn" with: Farewell to Summer

Espérer (Hope) was composed of three Euphoniums and two Tubas and is an ABA form. Section A consists of two themes: The first theme is played smoothly with a constant rhythm to express the spirit of the title “Hope” and the second theme is sung with a more relaxed melody line. The B section, which is more lyrical, allows the Euphonium parts to soar over the ensemble as they lead to the the return to the A section and the piece’s climactic conclusion.

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Arranger Jonathan Oliver writes, “In 1872, Bizet completed his music for the play L’Arlesienne, which was written by Alphonse Daudet. The play itself was considered unsuccessful, closing after only 21 performances. However, Bizet’s music from this production has lived on in two separate suites. The Farandole from Act 3 of the play was included in the Suite No. 2, which was created four years after the death of Bizet by his friend Ernest Guiraud, but is normally credited to Bizet. In the play, Bizet takes the idea of a farandole, a dance from southern France, and combines it with a traditional French Christmas carol known as ‘March of the Kings’. This arrangement for tuba ensemble looks to recreate the sound of the two musical ideas working together as one.”

EEETTT; For the University of Southern Mississippi Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble

Why not pair "Farewell to Summer" with: Enter Autumn

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Composed in 2010, Fearful Symmetry received its premiere performance by the Artist All-Star Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble at the 2010 International Tuba/Euphonium Conference in Tucson, Arizona. The title, taken from a poem by William Blake, refers to the symmetrical scales and rhythms that define the composition.

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Four Personalities was commissioned by David Saltzman and the Bowling Green State University tuba and euphonium ensemble in 2019. The work consists of four movements, each one representing a different personality or affection:

I. Empathetic – Lush and peaceful, this movement represents someone who always there to help and comfort others, even if it is at the expense of their own health and wellbeing. The first euphonium is featured with a plaintive introductory first melody and an emotion-driven second one that soars above the ensemble.

II. Twisted – A more cynical and maniacal section that blazes along with an aggressive main motive in mixed meter and winding rhythmic passages that snake throughout the ensemble. This movement represents the worst of humanity.

III. Pleasant – A meditative, Debussy-inspired tuba solo, this movement represents a thoughtful, kind, and patient individual. Lightly scored quintal and quartal accompaniment set the scene for the solo tuba, which provides easy-going and contemplative melodic lines that fluctuate between an introspective, quieter mindset and a more extroverted and welcoming one.

IV. Night Owl – Consisting of a rhythmically driven fast introduction, a rapid-fire dance featuring the first euphonium, a slower, reflective section with additive texture, and a return to the dance material, this final movement represents the hyper insomniac who goes for joyrides at 3:00 AM on the empty, misty city streets.