Published in November2023 at AvA Musical Editions
Also Available at June Emerson
This piece was composed for Marco Peciarolo, the winner of the #MatosinhosChallenge organized in May 2020. It was written originally for a Tenor Wagner Tuba in B♭, but then adapted to euphonium as these instruments present similar characteristics.
Some vocal parts involving multiphonics are optional, depending on the player's vocal range. If certain vocal elements do not align with the player's vocal range, they can be adjusted or omitted.
To maintain the blues atmosphere throughout the piece, the player can select specific notes to create different effects. For instance, the sub-tone sound, a technique frequently employed in jazz, can be achieved by slightly opening the lip aperture to produce an airy sound while maintaining the same pitch. Other techniques, such as breath attacks, accents resulting from the abrupt opening of the embouchure, and falls, can also be utilized, with a constant emphasis on musical expression.
In measure 10, the intention is to ornament using the overtones above while maintaining the same fingering without focusing on the sound. Furthermore, to ensure a seamless performance consistent with the blues style and to avoid disruptions caused by rapid finger movement, some fingering suggestions are provided. Alternatively, finger snaps or other methods can be used. The primary objective is to engage and involve the listeners, encouraging them to follow along.
Towards the end of the piece, a quote from R. Strauss with a blues sensation is included, followed by an improvisation to be sung in any octave, using notes from the C blues scale.
Have fun!