All four concertos on this album were written after the popular children's story Tubby the Tuba, which highlighted the instrument's soloistic capabilities.
Historical Context
The tuba, unlike other brass and woodwind instruments, was completely ignored as a concerto soloist during the nineteenth century and had no prior solo life.
Historical Context
The tuba emerged in the 1850s as a replacement for instruments like the ophicleide, with Hector Berlioz even sanctioning its use in his Symphonie Fantastique.
Performer Biography
Gavin Sutherland, the conductor, has recorded over fifty CDs, primarily with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra featured on this album.
Cultural Impact
The tuba's potential as a soloist was largely popularized by the children's tale Tubby the Tuba, written by American composer George Kleinsinger in the 1940s.
Performer Biography
James Gourlay, the tuba soloist on this album, has championed new works by composers like Harrison Birtwistle, Judith Bingham, Edward Gregson, Joseph Horovitz, and Krzysztof Penderecki.
