Posted by Leland on February 07, 2004 at 02:37:38:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Overblowing a Bass Tuba posted by Rick Denney on February 06, 2004 at 15:46:00:
(noticing the nickname Rick inserted for this post: "Rick 'who thinks there should a difference in sound as we increase dynamic--but it must be musically useful' Denney"
I very much agree.
I keep saying that dynamics aren't always only about numerical volume, but are also about the change in color. A smooth, dark, edgeless sound played very loud still sounds like a mellow dynamic level to me. Great depth, yes, but still mellow. But, that fabled low E in Holst's "Neptune" just wouldn't be the same if it didn't sound like your teeth would shatter if you stood too close to the tuba's bell.
I can't imagine that composers & arrangers add instruments just to get higher SPL levels in concert halls. They must be going for a color change.