Posted by Doc on December 13, 2001 at 18:21:47:
In Reply to: Re: Re: TubaEuph Barbershop? posted by Rick Denney on December 13, 2001 at 12:57:30:
You are correct about the dreaded "mud". Intonation is certainly key. Many brass players understand lowering the third and raising the fifth in a chord. Singers understand this too. Tubists don't always have to deal with that, as you said. Many barbershoppers and singers recommend tuning to the lead(melody) or to the common tone, if any, as opposed to a static pitch as in A=440. A does not always = 440 in some vocal applications, but it doesn't stray so far that pitch becomes unrecognizable. If you've ever sung in a bbshop 4tet or a choir or chorus, you know, because of this phenomenon, pitch can drift. Chorus directors may play a note on piano or pitch pipe to check pitch. So your comment about even temperament and tuning is true. I believe if all four players just think of "playing in tune" it works out. Do what you have to do. Tuning is a skill on which we all can improve. You can call it tuning to the melody if you like, but as long as it sounds good, who cares how you got there or what you call it. If a lot of effort yields beautiful music, isn't the joy a little bit sweeter? Close voicing does present a problem, but I think that diminishes greatly with excellent intonation and proper choice of instruments(as you also said). Different keys lay better for tubas than others. Some parts may need to be spread out. Each group can find something that works for them without completely rearranging the thing. It may be easier just to write your own barbershop style arrangements for tuba (with permission of course). Rick, you are astute as ever. (and the world needs more stutes)
Doc