Four Temperaments for Tuba

From Wind Repertory Project
Michael Brand

Michael Brand


General Info

Year: 1999
Duration: c. 10:30
Difficulty: IV (Band) VI (Tuba Solo) (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: G and M Brand - British Music Publishers
Cost: Score & Parts - $130.00   |   Score Only - $15.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Tuba Solo
Flute I-II (II - piccolo)
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Drumset
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Whip
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Four Temperaments for Tuba was written at the request of the British tuba virtuoso Stephen Sykes to help fill a gap in the repertoire. We agreed that whilst there should be display elements within the piece, it should be accessible to good tuba players and tuneful at the same time.

The first few bars contains the theme of the whole piece which is developed as four variations. The first variation (or Temperament) is neo-classical: conventionally written and structured. The swing variation (No. 2) is backed by a big band line-up plus horns and gives the soloist some opportunity to be flexible. Some improvisation could replace the written lines.

Variation three is scored mostly for woodwinds (apart from a trombone chorale) and is contemplative. It could stand alone. The last variation is a scherzo, which leads to a coda (so that the soloist can show off some double tonguing!)

The cadenza was composed by Stephen Sykes and played by him with the composer's approval. However, soloists should feel free to compose their own cadenza if they wish, but ending with bars 162 and 163 either as written or down an octave.

Four Temperaments for Tuba was first performed in Europe by Stephen Sykes with the Band of HM Royal Marines, Plymouth, conducted by Lt. Col. Peter Rutterford at The Pavilions, Plymouth, England on 6 October 1999.

The USA premiere was given by Stephen Sykes with the VanderCook College of Music Symphonic Band, conducted by Geoffrey Brand during the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago on Friday 17 December 1999.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • University of Illinois (Champaign) Hindsley Symphonic Band (Kimberly Fleming, conductor; Scott Tegge, tuba) - 21 April 2023
  • Lynn University (Boca Raton, Fla.) Wind Ensemble (Kenneth Amis, conductor; Steve Campbell, tuba) – 8 September 2018
  • Pomona (Calif.) College Band (Graydon Beeks, conductor; Stephen Klein, tuba) - 28 April 2018
  • Frankfort (Ky.) Capital City Community Band (Tom Brawner, conductor; Daryl Smith, tuba) – 20 December 2007 (2007 Midwest Clinic)


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

None discovered thus far.