Tuba and Euphonium Duo

with Percussion

James Grant writes:

When I received the message from the Moreau VanTuinen Duo (Danielle Moreau, percussion; Danielle VanTuinen, euphonium) and Deanna Swoboda, tuba, that they wanted to collaborate with me on creating a trio for their instruments, I immediately thought, “Well now, here comes some fun…!” In our initial skype meeting we decided that the new piece would be through-composed, ca. 10 minutes in duration, and would feature a blend of serious, crazy, and lyrical music; that I would fashion a separate version of the new piece to feature French horn in the same role as euphonium; and that we would invite a small group of adventurous colleagues to become co-commissioners of this new composition (see List of Commissioners page).

The result is 3D, music that touches on three distinct “mood dimensions.” A somber, evocative introduction leads to an explosive, rhythmically-charged, comically crazy joy ride, which yields to a rhapsodic duet between the two horns supported by any undulating moto perpetuo accompaniment in the marimba. That’s the piece, in a nutshell.

The three Lead Commissioners, Deanna, Danny (VanTuinen), and D (Moreau) could not have been more gracious and helpful during the composing of 3D, answering questions and offering feedback on sketches and ideas. Indeed, their fingerprints are all over this music.

The title, 3D, takes its name not only from the three distinct musical dimensions this music explores. It also represents a nod of respect to the three Lead Commissioners, whose excitement and support for this project captured my imagination from the very start. To Deanna, Danny and D, and to each of the stalwart participating co-commissioners, I offer my deepest gratitude.

1. Tarantella
2. Air No. 1
3. Waltz
4. Air No. 2
5. Scherzo
6. Air No. 3
7. Ritual Dance

From the composer:

Canela Fina was premiered in the AETYB Valencia 2016 Festival by Juanjo Munera and Sergio Finca to whom the piece is dedicated. The piece begins with a cadenza in which the euphonium and the tuba dialogue briefly showing their full ranges. Then, a virtuous buleria begins, in which we can optionally include the accompaniment of a drum-set or a flamenco cajon to give the piece a characteristic Spanish atmosphere.

Canela Fina received the Harvey Phillips Award for Composition Excellence in the category of Tuba or Euphonium featured in Chamber Music granted in 2019 by the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA).

Euphonium and Tuba with Piano

Composed in 2014, Coalescence is the result of a commission by a consortium of individual tuba and euphonium players, ranging from collegiate students to professionals. The work represents the coming together of people and ideas, portrayed throughout the work musically as fragmented figures gravitate towards one another to form moments of unity. Though not necessarily programmatic, the piece could be considered a glimpse into a scene rather than the telling of a story from start to finish.

The work is in two parts: Part I is characterized by the soloists playing chant-like melodic lines while the piano is fragmented and, at times, outside of the pulse. Part II is more rhythmically driving and musically together. In this section, there is an exploration of various timbres and effects, including quick dynamic swells, low percussive effects in the solo part, and the muffling of the inside strings of the piano. The juxtaposition these two parts create represents an ongoing interest I have in creating contrasts within large- and small-scale structures.

Euphonium and Tuba with 4 Euphoniums and 4 Tubas

Cousins is a well-known work frequently performed by tuba and euphonium players around the world. Ben Miles has arranged the accompaniment for tuba-euphonium ensemble.

with Piano

James Grant’s Double Concerto for Euphonium and Tuba was commissioned by a consortium of individuals and ensembles. Regarding the concerto, Grant says, “Movement I, ‘Playground’, needs little description beyond its title. Together, the two solo instruments make their way through a relentless maze of technical challenges (imagine seesaws, sliding boards, swing sets, obstacle courses and trampolines) accompanied by wind ensemble, which is faced with its own insistent array of fun and games. Movement II, ‘Passage’, is best described as the recollection of a journey – as though the two soloists have returned from a noble quest and are recounting their adventures… Like the title to the first movement, the title to movement III, ‘Sprint’, speaks for itself. The music is based on materials from a previous work originally scored for tuba quartet called ‘Etude/Attitude’, and is a breathless, high-energy romp from beginning to end.”

For Euphonium and Tuba:

1. Bombardon Dance

2. Zellaphon

3. Champ

4. Abrelatas

5. Phanfare and Presto