Posted by Gary Press on September 10, 2003 at 09:47:21:
In Reply to: Tchaikovsky R&J posted by ??? on September 09, 2003 at 23:21:33:
Yes! R&J has a really satisfying part. Several folks have mentioned the long B natural toward the end. I always try to play at a comfortable level allowing the the air to just glide along and breathing in places where the timpani starts its triplet figure. This helps to hide the breath, especially in a live hall. Also, watch for the fortissimo F#/Gb (I can't remember which it is) that comes shortly before the long B natural. It is a solo along with the bass trombone, must be played quite powerfully and can be therefore be challenging to tune together. All in all a fun part with all those block chords!
In the Rachmaninoff the tuba is much more of a coloration instrument, but being a part of such incredible music is so satisfying. Have a great time!