Adult beginner question re: F tuba

[phmurphy1]

Hey Folks:

I'm a professional woodwind player, but you might say a "tuba enthusiast" and beginner. My very first instrument is coming Monday and I'll have plenty of questions as I get started. So, here goes:

I'm listening to all sorts of solo recordings, and wondering with each one: is this a contrabass (BBb/CC) or bass tuba (F) playing this? I'm not really savvy enough yet to know which one I'm hearing, so my questions for you all: Is it almost always F tuba playing solo works? Is contrabass often considered too cumbersome for solo playing? PS, I'm not getting an F tuba, I'm just curious about this.

PM

[bloke]

I’m going to say “yes” to 2 and 3, and then sit back and watch the fun.

[phmurphy1]

I’m going to say “yes” to 2 and 3, and then sit back and watch the fun.

Uh-oh, is this going to be controversial? Jeez... my first day and I'm already starting some s***.

[bloke]

just a little joke...
...but - as to the answers to those questions are actually “mostly (overwhelmingly?) yes“.
I’m not one to find tuba solos online and listen to them, but the vast majority that are played, (based on what I encounter in-person and online) are played on F tubas.
Quite a few years ago, I was asked to play some tuba solos at a regional “tuba thing“. It was likely that Dan Perantoni and a noted military bandsman euphoniumist would be in the audience...but I foolishly accepted the invite anyway ... I did use the F tuba for a transcription that I did of an oboe solo (*Légende Pastorale from “Scotch Scenes” - Benjamin Godard), because I mostly don’t like tuba solos - but I also chose to program Walter Hartley’s Sonata for Tuba and Piano (which required bringing my own extraordinarily talented pianist...and notice that I did not incorrectly use the word, "accompanist") just so at least one person on the program would be using a contrabass tuba to play a solo piece...
...and new people on discussion lists are fun, because they tend to ask “Why isn’t the emperor wearing clothes?“ types of questions.
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*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb_5AeZXcQw I really like this guy's playing, plus: his degree is in economics.

[Doc]

Hey Folks:

I'm a professional woodwind player, but you might say a "tuba enthusiast" and beginner. My very first instrument is coming Monday and I'll have plenty of questions as I get started.

Welcome to the family!

Is it almost always F tuba playing solo works?

Mostly. There are occasional exceptions to that rule.

Is contrabass often considered too cumbersome for solo playing?

This is often true, although accomplished players often do (and sometimes post) amazing things on giant CC and BBb tubas.

PS, I'm not getting an F tuba, I'm just curious about this.

Play whatever kind of music you want on your tuba. Enjoy it. If you ever decide to get an F or Eb tuba, you can buy one and learn how to play it. If you can play solo literature well on a contrabass tuba, in many instances it will be easier when you play it on bass tuba. In a general sense, it's like lifting weights - you lift as heavy as you can, building strength. Then when you pick up lighter weights, they are easier to handle.

Enjoy, and share photos of your new axe when you can!

[phmurphy1]

Thanks Doc for the warm welcome and for the input! For some reason this platform does not want to let me upload a photo, but I was happy to get a Conn 5J in good shape for under $2K! Looking forward to bugging my neighbors.

[grayax]

I was talking to Ron Bishop back in 1999 at a Cleveland concert and asked him for some advice on Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra by John Williams. He told me that it was written for an F tuba, but he played it on a small CC.