(offbeat) suggestion for covering "low C" on Zarathustra
Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 4:11 pm
If playing Zarathustra in an orchestra (with no contrabassoon, nor organ, nor any basses with extensions, nor a 2nd tuba on board)...even if just the "Einleitung, oder Sonnenaufgang" (the part everyone recognizes) - and you're asked to supply the "low C"...
...If you have a compensating euphonium, consider supplying that pitch on that instrument - and with a smaller mouthpiece (such as 6-1/2, etc.)
It will be easier to play it as "not-loud" and with a "smaller" sound (more resembling a contrabassoon). Also, it should be easier to hold out that pitch for a longer length of time.
Switch to tuba during bar #14, and come in on tuba (the big subdominant chord) in bar #15.
Otherwise, (though it occurs to MD's to ask the tuba, because it is such a low pitch) consider handing it off to the bass trombonist, and graciously suggest using a cup mute.
...If you have a compensating euphonium, consider supplying that pitch on that instrument - and with a smaller mouthpiece (such as 6-1/2, etc.)
It will be easier to play it as "not-loud" and with a "smaller" sound (more resembling a contrabassoon). Also, it should be easier to hold out that pitch for a longer length of time.
Switch to tuba during bar #14, and come in on tuba (the big subdominant chord) in bar #15.
Otherwise, (though it occurs to MD's to ask the tuba, because it is such a low pitch) consider handing it off to the bass trombonist, and graciously suggest using a cup mute.
