Tuba Concerto (Tuba and symphonic band)

I – Allegro

II – Andante lamentoso

III – Presto leggero

Written during the Coronavirus months of February and March 2020, this piece was composed relatively quickly due to the unusual circumstances of confinement at home.

After writing concerti for almost all orchestral instruments, I felt that the tuba also deserved special attention. It is an instrument of great depth, with a wide range, expressive possibilities, and nowadays considerable technical agility. I wrote the piece without a specific commission, simply for the pleasure of composing something special for this somewhat overlooked yet fascinating instrument. A new orchestration for symphonic band was completed in the fall of 2024.

As in several of my later concerti, I conceived the work to be suitable for performance as a sonata as well. The piano part is idiomatic for the pianist, while also reflecting the numerous timbral colors of the orchestration.

The concerto follows the traditional three-movement structure and includes an extensive solo cadenza toward the end of the first movement. The band continuously interacts with the soloist, creating a rich timbral dialogue throughout the work.

The Allegro is written in a modified, non-tonal sonata form. The first theme presents a powerful and vital statement with strong rhythmic character. The second theme is lyrical and melodic, first introduced by the soloist and later repeated by the band. Several brief new ideas appear in the development section, interacting with motives derived from the main themes. A shortened and modified recapitulation follows, leading to an extensive solo cadenza. A coda brings the movement to a brilliant conclusion.

The Andante lamentoso is a deeply expressive movement in A–B–A form. The opening presents a mournful lyrical theme in the low register of the tuba. The middle section introduces a flowing new theme that gradually intensifies toward a climactic point of tension. After a release, the main theme returns with different accompaniment, and the movement fades out with a striking contrast between registers: the tuba in its extreme low range against the flute and piccolo in the upper register.

Almost without pause, the Presto leggero begins by developing the flowing idea from the Andante. This fast, virtuosic movement features frequent meter changes, predominantly in 7/8. The second theme is more expressive and lyrical, presented in cut time (2/2). An extended band interlude follows, allowing a brief respite for the soloist before the return of the main thematic material. The concerto concludes with a demanding and technically brilliant final section, ending with great excitement.

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