"And then we have about 20 minutes of nothing..." So true for brass and percussion players! But I guess there are worse places to sit and contemplate life than in the middle of an orchestra playing Bruckner :)
I became captivated by the Wagner tuba at the tender age of 5, upon first hearing Siegfried's funeral march - the local Presbyterian church did a sing-along Ring Cycle third Sunday of each month. I neglected my schoolwork and chores for the Wagner tuba - no waking moment of my childhood was free of arpeggios, long tones and all the vast solo and orchestral literature. My dedication has paid off handsomely - virtuoso Wagner tuba players are in high demand on the continent, in the Americas and in Asia, so I often have to turn down work. There are only so many days in a week, and I cannot perform the cream of the Wagner tuba concerto literature in two cities at once. I am now securing funding to establist a Wagner tuba conservatory outside Leipzig - well outside Liepzig, if the city government's injunction is upheld - to further the art and pedagogy of this fine instrument.
The so-called "Wagner-tuben" are not family of the tuba, but are in fact modified horns. The added Kontrabasstuba does the same as a double bass added to a string quartet. NB: In Wagner's Rheingold, in which the Wagner-tuben are first used to play the Walhalla-motive, the double bass is ensured by a Kontrabasstrombone.
Congratulations BerlinPhil's Horn Family. Wonderful Sound of the Tubas. Great. The most intertwined Family in the Orchestra. BerlinPhil's Horn Family. Congrats Mrs. Sarah Willis. Thank you so much. Danke. BRZ.
sounds a bit like a cross between a french horn and euphonium, or baritone horn and euphonium. Still bright like a french horn/baritone but much more open-sounding than one.
Its good to see that you are getting ready to collect some doubler's fees! One of my fantasies has been a woodwind quintet scored for Wagner tuba, alto flute, bass clarinet, English horn and contrabassoon.
That is why for example the Euphonium is used in Janacek's "Sinfonietta" depending on where it is performed. In czech and german orchestras they will use a Wagner Tuba, just as the score demands. In the US they will use Euphonium.
@@C4pt41nN3m0 Well there are a lot of differences: Euphoniums have perinet-valves played by right hand and use a trombone mouthpiece afaIk and therefore have a much bigger diameter at the leadpipe. The Wagnertube has left hand rotary valves and uses a F-Horn mouthpiece and therefore has a horn leadpipe thats narrower than a common trumpet one. That reflects in the sound being much more "from afar" and the immense intonation issues cause the instrument does change wayyy too much in diateter to still be in tune for the most part haha.
@@bro748 well, they are, but tubas in the early days were in the key of c a whole step above a euphonium, so the now standard tubas in CC/BBb are considered "contrabass"
So many guests and interns of mine inquire about these unique instruments. I feel lucky to know some of the answers. However here's one I don't know the answer to that many of you probably do know: Why are the ones the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays rusty? There's hardly any shiny brass on these instruments. Are they originals from Wagner's time? I should just ask the CSO horn players directly, but they are awfully busy people!
@@towo7100 Right, good point. A lot of saxophonists feel the instrument vibrates better sans lacquer. Three's certainly a patina on these Wagner tuben.
Okay just got the official word from [the equally talented and humble] Dan Gingrich: Indeed these instruments were made without lacquer. He said most of them were made by Paxman in London.
A lot of brass players like that unlaquered finish actually. Youll see orchestral trumpet and trombone players as well with those interesting looking instruments. :D
Prosit Neujahr 2023 Frau Willis . Ich habe eine Frage : Welches Mundstück nutzen Sie auf der Wagner Tuba ? Ist es das gleiche wie auf Ihrem Doppelhorn ? Frage : Welche Mundstücke nutzen Ihre Kollegen auf der Wagner Tuba ? Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort.
So weit ich sehe wird das Mundstück des Waldhorn s , gespielt , nicht die großen typischen Tenorhorn oder Bariton Mundstücke . Diese superkleinen Waldhorn Mundstücke sind schon eine Herausforderung, selbst für einen Trompeter wurde mir gesagt. Ich persönlich steige gerade vom Tenorhorn auf das Waldhorn um . Kein schneller , kein einfacher Schritt.
@@golferken55 I can only guess: the early orchestral instruments were natural horns without valves. All the action took place with the right hand - the hand movement had to be really quick and precise to get the intermediate notes between the harmonics. And in Europe most people are right-handed. Or perhaps it was just tradition stemming from the hunting horn, which was held in the left hand whilst the right hand steered the player's mount.
Absolutely not. Different instruments, the same effect is not achieved. Different range, Different tessitura, different tone color, not to say that extra musicians would be needed for each performance if euphoniums were used, while as the Wagner tuba is a modified horn a standard section of four horns can do the job without having to use anyone else. Apart from that, the reason why the Wagner tuba was created was because Richard Wagner conceived several of the Ring motifs with a specific sound in mind that could not be replicated by any other brass instrument; similarly, Bruckner conceived the second movement of his seventh symphony as an elegy to Wagner (whose death was approaching) for which he decided to use an inherently Wagnerian instrument in a particularly mournful melody. Replacing the instrument with any other does not only mean not achieving the same effect, but rather going against the vision of the composers who used it. Neither Wagner or Bruckner (especially a Brass-specialist like Wagner) would go for a "it's close enough" in an orchestral selection of instruments, they have specific ideas in their heads that must be respected.
Not really played in the same range. Different tessitura. Different tone color. And no, a mouthpiece adapter isn't sufficient. Bb Tenorhorn with a French Horn mouthpiece is physically close, but still lacks the signature "heroic" sound.
@Benjamin Scheurer Only people familiar with British brass bands call the 6.5' Eb Saxhorn a "Tenor Horn". I'm obviously talking about the instrument in 9' Bb called a Tenorhorn. You know? The one that looks pretty close to a Bb Wagnertuba but uses larger mouthpiece and plays in the same range as Trombone? It's not that obscure of an instrument.
@@Markworth Do you think this might have something to do with the fact the horn and the Wagner tubas play higher partials than the euphonium or tuba as their "normal" range, which is not the case for the other brass instruments? So they are always playing in a range where the column is vibrating a lot already, which might be why they also have a smoother sound, whereas with the other brass you still sometimes hear the vibration in the lower notes (always sounds a little "farty" to me on the attack!). It would be interesting to hear someone play the passage in the video with euphoniums or tubas side-by-side so we could hear the difference.
@@MaestroTJS Yes and no. The primary difference is that the instruments are built differently. You can force any brass instrument to play in a higher harmonic series, and plenty were intended to do that. The main difference here is that the Wagner Tuba has a very different leadpipe. That has a huge difference on an oval form horn because it's so long. Even a small type Bb Tenorhorn's leadpipe has nearly double the volume of a French Horn leadpipe (~10.5mm vs ~7.5mm bore).
She's such a friendly presenter; her enthusiasm is quite infectious!
First-rate musician plus a charming television personality - a rare combination.
If she could only be cloned for every orchestra around the world!
She loves wagner tuba
"And then we have about 20 minutes of nothing..."
So true for brass and percussion players! But I guess there are worse places to sit and contemplate life than in the middle of an orchestra playing Bruckner :)
Ist doch praktisch, wenn man als Musiker 20 Minuten Pause hat: schnell eine rauchen gehen oder einen abseilen auf Scheißhaus.🤪
Could be worse. The organist in Mahler 2nd.
@@todortodorov940 could be even worse than that, the HAMMER player in Mahler's 6th😄
I became captivated by the Wagner tuba at the tender age of 5, upon first hearing Siegfried's funeral march - the local Presbyterian church did a sing-along Ring Cycle third Sunday of each month.
I neglected my schoolwork and chores for the Wagner tuba - no waking moment of my childhood was free of arpeggios, long tones and all the vast solo and orchestral literature.
My dedication has paid off handsomely - virtuoso Wagner tuba players are in high demand on the continent, in the Americas and in Asia, so I often have to turn down work. There are only so many days in a week, and I cannot perform the cream of the Wagner tuba concerto literature in two cities at once.
I am now securing funding to establist a Wagner tuba conservatory outside Leipzig - well outside Liepzig, if the city government's injunction is upheld - to further the art and pedagogy of this fine instrument.
Sing-along Ring Cycle 🏆
Wau, das ist sehr Edelmütig von Ihnen . Meinen Respekt haben Sie gewonnen .
@@willnicht-sagen2562
Er spielt auch Mellofon wie sonst niemand.
I can't find any info about this conservatory... what is it called?
Sublime passage from the Bruckner 8. Amazing to hear it with the isolated brass, you guys rock.
That is a gorgeous sound and so identifiable as Wagnerian
Much more so Brucknerian!
. . . because it was composed by Bruckner and premiered a decade after Wagner's death? 😐
It isn't as good as the tone of a tuba
The beautiful passage of the Adagio of Bruckner's Eighth, first by the four Wagner tuben, thereafter again with the Kontrabastuba. Very nice!
The so-called "Wagner-tuben" are not family of the tuba, but are in fact modified horns. The added Kontrabasstuba does the same as a double bass added to a string quartet. NB: In Wagner's Rheingold, in which the Wagner-tuben are first used to play the Walhalla-motive, the double bass is ensured by a Kontrabasstrombone.
I like the Wagner tuba parts of Bruckner 7th even more than the 8th.
A few bars of sublime Bruckner just on Tubas is enough to bring tears to m eyes..
Beautiful sounds. I’d love to hear a recording of some Bach chorales or something with this section on Wagner tubas!
The juxtaposition of the informal and upbeat presentation and the mystic heart of a sublime Bruckner adagio...works for me!
1:39 He's probably watching Netflix, I can hear him XD
Bruckner is the best post-Renaissance&Baroque composer for a mystic moment.
I love when she says they tune with their lips. I thought I was wrong.
Absolutely Beautiful!!!!
Congratulations BerlinPhil's Horn Family. Wonderful Sound of the Tubas. Great. The most intertwined Family in the Orchestra. BerlinPhil's Horn Family. Congrats Mrs. Sarah Willis. Thank you so much. Danke. BRZ.
sounds a bit like a cross between a french horn and euphonium, or baritone horn and euphonium. Still bright like a french horn/baritone but much more open-sounding than one.
Thank you thank you thank you. Gorgeous. Brings tears to my eyes.
Wow! Such amazing sound!
Bravissimi! Da uno degli Adagi più belli mai scritti...
Well done Sarah & all players.............................
Just awesome. The sound is Very emotional
Beautiful sound!!
Beautiful sounds, all!
I love this sound.
i just love the wagner tuba and i wish i could play it
Beautiful!
Fabulous !!!!!
Gutes Video !
Its good to see that you are getting ready to collect some doubler's fees!
One of my fantasies has been a woodwind quintet scored for Wagner tuba, alto flute, bass clarinet, English horn and contrabassoon.
Haha, what a coincidence, I thought of the same thing like 20 years ago. Lol
Write it!
Fascinating
Wow, I'm a fan!
But it doesn’t need the bass to sound beautiful!!! They produce a lovely tone by themselves.
Yep
Sounds better without the Tuba
Very interesting, Thx !
I'll see what I can do about the flying Dutchman the production.
Always regard this as punishment for horn players - but when well-played (like this!) they sound so good...
The Wagner Tuba has such a rich sound
Wagner tuba sounds like euphonium!
That is why for example the Euphonium is used in Janacek's "Sinfonietta" depending on where it is performed. In czech and german orchestras they will use a Wagner Tuba, just as the score demands. In the US they will use Euphonium.
@@C4pt41nN3m0 Well there are a lot of differences: Euphoniums have perinet-valves played by right hand and use a trombone mouthpiece afaIk and therefore have a much bigger diameter at the leadpipe. The Wagnertube has left hand rotary valves and uses a F-Horn mouthpiece and therefore has a horn leadpipe thats narrower than a common trumpet one. That reflects in the sound being much more "from afar" and the immense intonation issues cause the instrument does change wayyy too much in diateter to still be in tune for the most part haha.
Let's Start to Dance in Disco Party Halloween 2019!
:) :) :) Thank You, very-very nice!
Great
Wagner even wrote for a Rare Eb Tenor which is a Step below the F
2:05
The resonances in the small room must have been awesome. The mic probably didn't catch any of it.
本体はバリトンホルンの大きさでマウスピースはフレンチホルンくらいなんですね。
音は初めて聞きました。
Very cool! Isnt that a contrabass tuba being played alongside the wagner tuba?
nah, that was a normal tuba.
bro tubas pitched in C/Bb are contrabass tubas. F/Eb tubas are bass tuba.
@@tubamike Ah, you're right. I've never heard of a bass tuba in f, so I just assumed BBb tubas were 'normal' tubas.
@@bro748 well, they are, but tubas in the early days were in the key of c a whole step above a euphonium, so the now standard tubas in CC/BBb are considered "contrabass"
Good times.
凄すぎて言葉を失うわ
So many guests and interns of mine inquire about these unique instruments. I feel lucky to know some of the answers. However here's one I don't know the answer to that many of you probably do know: Why are the ones the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays rusty? There's hardly any shiny brass on these instruments. Are they originals from Wagner's time? I should just ask the CSO horn players directly, but they are awfully busy people!
@@towo7100 Right, good point. A lot of saxophonists feel the instrument vibrates better sans lacquer. Three's certainly a patina on these Wagner tuben.
Okay just got the official word from [the equally talented and humble] Dan Gingrich: Indeed these instruments were made without lacquer. He said most of them were made by Paxman in London.
A lot of brass players like that unlaquered finish actually. Youll see orchestral trumpet and trombone players as well with those interesting looking instruments. :D
I will buy my own set of Wagner Tubas and invite my favorite Tuba players to come join in and play. Drums and bass welcome too.
I hope they are horn players and lot real tuba players haha.
Prosit Neujahr 2023 Frau Willis . Ich habe eine Frage : Welches Mundstück nutzen Sie auf der Wagner Tuba ? Ist es das gleiche wie auf Ihrem Doppelhorn ? Frage : Welche Mundstücke nutzen Ihre Kollegen auf der Wagner Tuba ? Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort.
Never realized the Wagner tuba was a Tuborn.
No composer ... with the exception of Bach ... has ever matched Bruckner for purity of sound combined with grandeur.
Who needs a tuba? Just give Sarah her horn back
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Wagner-Tubaund Tenorhorn/Bariton ovaler Bauauart?
Die Luftführung , in Mensur ist, die Länge der Luftsäule , sei der Unterschied hat man mit glaubhaft versichert .
So weit ich sehe wird das Mundstück des Waldhorn s , gespielt , nicht die großen typischen Tenorhorn oder Bariton Mundstücke . Diese superkleinen Waldhorn Mundstücke sind schon eine Herausforderung, selbst für einen Trompeter wurde mir gesagt. Ich persönlich steige gerade vom Tenorhorn auf das Waldhorn um . Kein schneller , kein einfacher Schritt.
Is there a way to stop or use a plunger on one of these?
Hornisten... Alle gleich
😁😉
A left handed instrument, unlike the euphonium it sounds like.
Yeah, you got to have the big dog
So the bass tuba is playing in unison or an octave below?
1:02 2:04
Holy shit
"The tuba can't play tunes."
Well let me play him some tunes
why not use a euphonium
Wagner tuba sounds like french horn exactly!
lol
Chapters:
0:00 Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 1
1:03 I. EJEMPLO TUBAS
17:16 II. Kräf
24:50 III. Feierlich
36:19 IV. Stürm
The bald guy looks like he could throw a chair at you for not knowing the difference between rushing and dragging.
Das hat schon seinen Grund, warum das Ding Wagnertuba und nicht Brucknertuba heißt.
Wagner hat ja auch viel schönere Musik komponiert.❤️
I thought I loved Wagner.
Isn’t that called a euphonium? Lol
No.
I know. I’m just teasing. It does sound similar though. How come the French horn always uses left hand for valves ?
@@golferken55 I can only guess: the early orchestral instruments were natural horns without valves. All the action took place with the right hand - the hand movement had to be really quick and precise to get the intermediate notes between the harmonics. And in Europe most people are right-handed. Or perhaps it was just tradition stemming from the hunting horn, which was held in the left hand whilst the right hand steered the player's mount.
Replace them all with euphoniums. Beautiful sound and they WILL stay in tune...you're welcome
Absolutely not. Different instruments, the same effect is not achieved. Different range, Different tessitura, different tone color, not to say that extra musicians would be needed for each performance if euphoniums were used, while as the Wagner tuba is a modified horn a standard section of four horns can do the job without having to use anyone else. Apart from that, the reason why the Wagner tuba was created was because Richard Wagner conceived several of the Ring motifs with a specific sound in mind that could not be replicated by any other brass instrument; similarly, Bruckner conceived the second movement of his seventh symphony as an elegy to Wagner (whose death was approaching) for which he decided to use an inherently Wagnerian instrument in a particularly mournful melody. Replacing the instrument with any other does not only mean not achieving the same effect, but rather going against the vision of the composers who used it. Neither Wagner or Bruckner (especially a Brass-specialist like Wagner) would go for a "it's close enough" in an orchestral selection of instruments, they have specific ideas in their heads that must be respected.
Why bother with those things. Just use Euphoniums
Different timbre?
Not really played in the same range. Different tessitura. Different tone color. And no, a mouthpiece adapter isn't sufficient. Bb Tenorhorn with a French Horn mouthpiece is physically close, but still lacks the signature "heroic" sound.
@Benjamin Scheurer Only people familiar with British brass bands call the 6.5' Eb Saxhorn a "Tenor Horn". I'm obviously talking about the instrument in 9' Bb called a Tenorhorn. You know? The one that looks pretty close to a Bb Wagnertuba but uses larger mouthpiece and plays in the same range as Trombone? It's not that obscure of an instrument.
@@Markworth Do you think this might have something to do with the fact the horn and the Wagner tubas play higher partials than the euphonium or tuba as their "normal" range, which is not the case for the other brass instruments? So they are always playing in a range where the column is vibrating a lot already, which might be why they also have a smoother sound, whereas with the other brass you still sometimes hear the vibration in the lower notes (always sounds a little "farty" to me on the attack!). It would be interesting to hear someone play the passage in the video with euphoniums or tubas side-by-side so we could hear the difference.
@@MaestroTJS Yes and no. The primary difference is that the instruments are built differently. You can force any brass instrument to play in a higher harmonic series, and plenty were intended to do that. The main difference here is that the Wagner Tuba has a very different leadpipe. That has a huge difference on an oval form horn because it's so long. Even a small type Bb Tenorhorn's leadpipe has nearly double the volume of a French Horn leadpipe (~10.5mm vs ~7.5mm bore).