Bass tuba

What it means

The bass tuba is a low brass instrument with a wide, conical bore, a large bell and usually four to six valves. Builds in F and in E♭ are current. Unlike most brass instruments, the tuba is notated at sounding pitch in the orchestra, that is, in the bass clef without transposition; in wind music, transposing notations are also usual depending on the country. The wide bore gives it a round, carrying sound without sharpness that stays clear even in great depth.

Musical use

The tuba arose in the first half of the nineteenth century and replaced older bass instruments of the brass group such as the ophicleide. In the orchestra it forms the foundation of the brass, reinforces trombones and horns and carries the bass line harmonically; it is at the same time capable of quiet, soft solo passages that refute its reputation as a mere foundation instrument. In wind band and brass band it is indispensable, as it is in some traditions of dance and entertainment music. From the contrabass tuba it differs in range: that one is built in C or B♭ and sounds a fourth or fifth lower.

Performance practice

The tuba calls for large quantities of air with a calm, broad airstream; work at breath control before you think of loudness. The embouchure stays relaxed and wide, the mouthpiece is large, and too much pressure makes the low range at once uncertain. Use the fourth and the further valves to correct the intonation of low notes, which lie too high in root position. When sitting, watch for a free upper body and an instrument posture that does not put the weight on the arm. Empty the condensation regularly through the water keys and keep the valves and slides maintained, so that the response stays easy.

Remember that the tuba carries the bass of the brass group and therefore lives less from loudness than from clarity: short, clear attacks help the whole texture, broad, blurred notes make it heavy. Watch the coordination with trombones and double basses, and clarify who leads in doublings. Check the low valve combinations by ear and use the additional valves for correction. Plan breathing places early and note them, because the air consumption helps to determine the phrasing.