Finally, Maestro Bobo's magnificent DVD masterclass is again available with handsome new packaging. Produced by in Japan, it contains some of the finest musical advice and insight for musicians, students of brass and tubists. Some of the works performed include: Strauss-Concerto #1, Stevens-Variations in Olden Style, Koetsier-Concertino, Madsen-Sonata & Schumann-Adagio & Allegro. Below are some words from Roger Bobo of his thoughts in producing a DVD masterclass. This will be some of the most valuable 2 1/2 hours spent in front of a screen.
"Throughout my student and professional days I have been inspired and motivated by watching many masterclasses (usually on television) presented by many of the great musicians of our time. It was many years ago that I first got the idea to try to create such a masterclass of my own but was always held back by thinking, "No, I¿m not ready yet". The difficult fact is that I still feel that same "Not readiness". But having now completed 7 decades on this planet, it seemed prudent to proceed with the masterclass project, ready or not, and fortunately at this time a DVD seemed the perfect medium." Roger Bobo
With a career spanning seven decades with the Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Chicago Symphonies, Arnold Jacobs has earned a reputation as a world-class performer. Equally significant are his teachings. During his career, thousands of students have passed through his studio. Finally, there is the definitive book on his career. Arnold Jacobs: Song and Wind is written by Mr. Jacobs' assistant, Brian Frederiksen, and edited by John Taylor. With a length of 296 pages, material comes from masterclasses, private interviews, previously published writings and contributions from his students and colleagues. Subjects include: The Performer: Early Years, Curtis Institute, Indianapolis Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Conductors, Other Performances, York Tuba The Teacher: Physical Elements, Mental Elements, Performance, Instruments, The Jacobs Studio Discography, Full Documentation And more . . . ISBN 0-9652489-0-9
In the old days it was a tradition for musicians to refer to the greatest of players on a given instrument as the King! There is no question that among musicians today (1958), William Bell would be enthroned as King of the Tuba. So fantastic are his achievements on this instrument that the professionals who know and understand its difficulties shake their heads in wonder and amazement when they hear him play. He played with the Bachman Band and the Sousa Band. In 1937 he came to New York to play under Arturo Toscanini and since that time has appeared with most of the major orchestras on radio and television. Toscanini declared William Bell the greatest tuba player he had ever heard. Once at a rehearsal the great conductor suddenly stopped the orchestra and called out “Play that again, please!” Mr. Bell looked puzzled and the maestro explained, “No, no, there is nothing wrong. Play it again, please, just for me. I have never heard that passage played with such a lovely tone!” Coming from Toscanini this was adulation of the highest order. By Harvey Phillips Foundation
Three choirs each consisting of two euphoniums and two tubas Click here for more information Premired by the ITEC 2002 World Honors Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble
Debussy composed this breathtaking unaccompanied work in 1913, and it became the first solo work for the Böhm flute and the first solo work by a major composer since C.P.E. Bach almost 150 years earlier!
The music allows wide latitude for interpretation and can really show off the musical imagination of the performer.
The great French flautist Marcel Moyse is credited with adding phrasing and barlines to his friend Debussy's new work.
In classical mythology, Syrinx was a nymph and a follower of Artemis, known for her chastity. Pursued by the amorous Greek god Pan, she ran to a river’s edge and asked for assistance from the river nymphs. In answer, she was transformed into hollow water reeds that made a haunting sound when the god’s frustrated breath blew across them. Pan cut the reeds to fashion the first set of pan pipes, which were thereafter known as syrinx.
This work of 2 1/2 minutes for advanced performers can add a new dimension to your recital, as it is often performed offstage.
The sample performance was recorded by Trombonist Ralph Sauer in May 2012.
The Adagio in G minor for violin, strings and organ continuo, is a neo-Baroque composition popularly attributed to the 18th-century Venetian composer Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751), however it was written by the 20th-century musicologist and Albinoni biographer Remo Giazotto (1910-1998). Ralph Sauer, retired Principal Trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic has arranged this beautiful work for four Trombones. This work is about 7 minutes in length and can be performed by advanced performers in a large ensemble or quartet.
Randy Aldcroft has written 3 volumes of wonderful jazz duets for Trumpets in all keys. These duets were written for the intermediate and advanced student interested in playing jazz. The range of notes gets higher and the duets get harder with each volume. The chord changes are included to help learn the structure and chord progressions, and so the duets may be played with a rhythm section if desired. These duets are perfect for the student and teacher to work on at lessons and several of them can even be programmed together as a medley on a concert or recital.
Randy Aldcroft has written 3 volumes of wonderful jazz duets for Trumpets in all keys. These duets were written for the intermediate and advanced student interested in playing jazz. The range of notes gets higher and the duets get harder with each volume. The chord changes are included to help learn the structure and chord progressions, and so the duets may be played with a rhythm section if desired. These duets are perfect for the student and teacher to work on at lessons and several of them can even be programmed together as a medley on a concert or recital.
Randy Aldcroft has written 12 wonderful jazz duets for Euphonium and Tuba in all keys. These duets were written for the intermediate and advanced student interested in playing jazz. The chord changes are included to help learn the structure and chord progressions, and so the duets may be played with a rhythm section if desired. These duets are perfect for the student and teacher to work on at lessons and several of them can even be programmed together as a medley on a concert or recital
One of Bach's greatest works, the Air on the G String from Orchestral Suite No. #3 in D has been arranged for Brass Quartet by Keith Terrett in the key of F. A nice comfortable arrangement of about 4 minutes in length for intermediate performers. Instrumentation is for 2 Trumpets in Bb, Trombone and Tuba/Bass Trombone. The Trombone and Tuba parts are also in Bb Treble clef.
This work gives all five players a real workout. This masterful transcription is "Symphonic" in style with all 5 players playing the 4 voice fugue. There is a lot of doubling with some thrilling sounds and textures. You will hear this work performed by the Vancouver Symphony Brass Quintet on the mp3 sample. Turn up the volume, because this work shakes the rafters. A great work in recital!
A beautiful setting of J.S. Bach's "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" for 8 Trombones in 2 choirs in the original key of G. This work is a perfect vehicle to show off the lyrical and noble sound of the Trombone Choir.
This work has been performed many times by the Vancouver Symphony Brass at Christmas concerts and is perfect for traditional wedding ceremonies as well. Your audience will be quite inspired by this beautiful sounding work that will fill the sanctuary or concert hall with the glorious sound of Brass and Organ. Instrumentation is for 2 trumpets (either in Bb or C, please specify) , horn, trombone, tuba & concert organ. Difficulty level is intermediate to high intermediate.
Bach's great Passacaglia & Fugue for 8 Trombones. Ralph Sauer's stunning transcription is the first publication of the complete 14 minute work. For advanced performers, Bach's masterpiece will become the cornerstone of every trombone ensemble around the globe.
For Trumpet, Horn & Trombone. This work gives all three instrumentalists a real workout. The horn playing the moving voice mid-range along with the trombone on the bass line. The trumpet plays the choral prelude melody on top in a beautiful legato line.
This work gives all three trombonists a real workout. The 2nd part playing the moving voice mid-range along with the bass trombone on the bottom line. ?The top line can be played on an alto trombone (or tenor) and plays the famous choral prelude melody on top in a beautiful legato line.
J.S. Bach, the genius of Baroque music & the "father" of Western Music composed 3 exquisite Sonatas for Viola da Gamba. They are now available for Tenor Trombone & Piano, beautifully transcribed by former Principal Trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Ralph Sauer. This edition is truly the only version that fully exploits the possibilities of the Trombone. A must for all serious performers.
J.S. Bach, the genius of Baroque music & the "Father" of Western Music composed three exquisite Sonatas for Viola da Gamba. They are now available for Tenor Trombone & Piano, beautifully transcribed by former Principal Trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Ralph Sauer. This edition is truly fully exploits the musical & technical depths of the Tuba or Bass Trombone. A must for all serious performers.
A great transcription of Bach's "Dorian Toccata" BWV 538 for Trombone Octet by Ralph Sauer, Principal Trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Mr. Sauer's scoring for this work shows his great skill as a "Bach Brass Expert". Instrumentation is for 6 Tenors (parts 1-5 in tenor clef, 6th in bass) and 2 Bass trombones. Range goes to a high "D" for the 1st part in the final bars. Otherwise, range is moderate with no heavy endurance problems. This piece bounces along at a good clip and shows off technique & precise ensemble. A great choice for advanced performers.
Bach's Unaccompanied Suites beautifully and meticulously edited for Trumpet by Ralph Sauer as a 48 page textbook. Mr. Sauer's thoughtful version of the Six Suites gives the performer "room to breathe" musically. To quote Mr. Sauer and Pablo Casals, "I refrained from using fanciful descriptive terms such as con brio, or quasi una fantasia because they may suggest a particular style...This transcription is not intended to be a blueprint to be followed exactly, but rather, it is the raw material from which a personal interpretation can be built. "To quote Pablo Casals, "Where interpreting Bach's music is concerned, there are no hard and fast rules...The best thing to do is to discard all preconceived ideas and try to approach in our performances whatever the music conveys to us..."
Bach's Unaccompanied Suites beautifully and meticulously edited for Tuba by Ralph Sauer, 48 page textbook. Mr. Sauer's thoughtful version of the Six Suites gives the performer "room to breathe" musically. To quote Mr. Sauer and Pablo Casals,"I refrained from using fanciful descriptive terms such as con brio, or quasi una fantasia because they may suggest a particular style...This transcription is not intended to be a blueprint to be followed exactly, but rather, it is the raw material from which a personal interpretation can be built."To quote Pablo Casals, "Where interpreting Bach's music is concerned, there are no hard and fast rules...The best thing to do is to discard all preconceived ideas and try to approach in our performances whatever the music conveys to us..."
Sir Arnold Bax composed in a style that blended Romantic, Impressionist and Celtic flavors together in a brilliant way. Mr. Sauer has taken these two works originally for Piano and brilliantly transcribed them for Tuba or Bass Trombone & Piano. Country Tune begins with a beautiful melody which turns into a jaunty dance. Burlesque is also dance-like, but mixes 3/4 and 4/4 time in a most inovative way. These works are light, airy & very pleasant to perform and listen to.
Sir Arnold Bax composed in a style that blended Romantic, Impressionist and Celtic flavors together in a brilliant way. Mr. Sauer has taken these two works originally for Piano and brilliantly transcribed them for Euphonium & Piano. Country Tune begins with a beautiful melody which turns into a jaunty dance. Burlesque is also dance-like, but mixes 3/4 and 4/4 time in a most inovative way. These works are light, airy & very pleasant to perform and listen to.