Posted by Dave on May 03, 2001 at 15:10:01:
In Reply to: 4/4 or BAT posted by big guy on May 03, 2001 at 11:19:41:
I'd say go with a large 4/4 (Rudy, 188, 2155, maybe a PT6 although that's stretching a bit). The problem with playing "down" with an instrument (using a overly large horn in a smaller quintet-type setting) is yes, you may be able to play soft enough to blend with a big horn, but what you will usually sacrifice is intensity in the softer dynamics. Your presence in the group starts to sound neutered as the ensemble takes on a "bunch of people and a tuba" feel. Yes, you CAN lay back with a bigger horn but I don't think it would be the sound you're looking for. It's extremely difficult to get that intense, stage-whisper type sound (like you want in the second movement of Ewald 1) with a 6/4 in a quintet setting. I think it's MUCH easier to play up with a horn that may be smaller than what the current trend dictates, than it is to struggle to not be an oaf in the chamber group. I currently play a 188 and think it's the perfect horn for this use.
Just an opinion...