Concertino for Tuba and Band was composed in 2003 for Gary Bird for a concert with the Volga Band Saratov, Russia. Gary like the Concertino for Euphonium and Band that was composed a few years earlier, so with some adjustments the Concertino for tuba is the same as the Concertino for Euphonium. The piece is in one continuous movement with three distinct sections. In the first section, the Allegro beginning presents the primary rhythmic motive. A second melodic cantabile theme follows without transition. Development of both ideas continues in counterpoint leading to the second section which is Andante. The third section returns to the Allegro recapitulating the materials from the beginning and ending with an extended cadenza, ending with a flourish. Gary later asked me to arrange it for orchestra for a concert with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra in 2006. It is scored for Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Bassoons, Eb Clarinet (optional), 3 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, Eb Contralto Clarinet (optional), 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, 3 Cornets, 2 Trumpets in Bb, 4 Horns in F, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, 2 Euphoniums, Tuba, Solo Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (4 players) – Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Orchestra Bells, Gong, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Harp, Piano and Double-bass.
Commissioned by
Gary Bird and Mary Ann Craig