Introduction and Caprice for tuba and piano
by Steve D. Matchett
also —
Introduction and Caprice for solo tuba, strings and timpani
by Steve D. Matchett
Description
This work was composed in 1992 for Marilyn Llewellyn and the Klein Oak High School Symphony Orchestra and premiered by tubist Larry Porter, who was a private student of mine, four year Texas all-stater, former member of the Klein Oak orchestra, and a music student at the University of North Texas at the time. The performance took place at the Texas Music Educators Association convention in February 1993 on the Klein Oak Symphony's Honor Orchestra concert. The work is originally for solo tuba, strings and timpani**. The version for solo tuba and piano was revised and arranged by me in early 2022. It was first performed by another Klein Oak tuba student of mine, Nathan Cole, with his piano accompanist Laura Pedersen at his school’s solo competition finals in May 2022.
The Introduction section is smoothly lyrical and begins with music for strings alone. For the tuba and piano version I have designated an optional beginning for a more abbreviated performance when needed. In the transition before the Caprice section, the tuba part becomes more rhythmic and is joined by punctuations in the strings and timpani. The Caprice opens with a basic rhythmic motive in the pizzicato strings. The tuba part then joins and becomes quite active, playing double-tongued arpeggio figures as well as fast scalar runs. The tuba and strings play off of one another as they proceed forward in the through-composed freeform Caprice. Lyrical sections, which calm the action, allow the soloist and strings to join in a more basic soloist/accompanist fashion. Brief references to the Introduction can be heard, as well as references to the Caprice opening as the piece propels to its conclusion.
~ Steve D. Matchett, May 2022
Review
Range: FF – d1
Difficulty Level: III
Piano Difficulty: Medium
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The introduction features a flowing lyrical melody that showcases the singing, melodious side of the tuba’s abilities. The caprice, in contrast, has a variety of quick arpeggios and interesting rhythmic figures in the tuba part, with the piano and tuba seeming to engage in a dialogue as the parts interact with one another.Â
Overall, Introduction and Caprice will bring out several skills from the tubist while also providing music that is interesting and engaging to the listener.
~ Wes Calvert, M.M. Tuba – University of Central Arkansas, ITEA Journal (Online Supplement), vol. 51 no.3 (Spring 2024)
Details
Composed in 1992. Written for Marilyn Llewellyn and the Klein Oak High School Symphony Orchestra and premiered by tubist Larry Porter. This version for tuba and piano was arranged and revised in early 2022 by the composer and premiered in May 2022 by tubist Nathan Cole with pianist Laura Pedersen.
Instrumentation: tba, pft
Sections: Introduction (Andante sostenuto), Caprice (Allegro ritmico)
Duration: 6'45"
Publisher: Gulf Wind Music Press
*included on the Texas Prescribed Music List , class one tuba solo with piano (added fall 2023)
** version for solo tuba, strings and timpani available on rental from Gulf Wind Music Press
© 2023-2024 Gulf Wind Music Press
last revised September 17, 2024
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