So I was down in Cincinnati yesterday, visiting with old friends and former professors/colleagues, and I had the chance to stop in to the CCM Library. For those of you that haven’t been to CCM in a while, the library is now on the 6th floor of Blegen. It’s quiet, well-lit with lots of natural lighting, and all the stacks are right there – no more dungeon!

Yesterday was also Dr. Earle Louder’s 80th birthday. (Happy birthday, Doc!) So it seemed appropriate that I found this in the CCM stacks:

Some time ago, I had a list of ten pieces which every euphoniumist should try. Does anyone have anything they’d like to add to that list?

WF

A friend of mine is giving a faculty euphonium recital tonight over in western North Carolina (it started about 34 minutes ago; a bit too far to drive, unfortunately). I don’t know what the line-up is, but it’s a joint recital with a tubist.

This got me to thinking: What pieces should be on junior/senior recitals? What about graduate-level recitals?

I’ve been out of the loop for a while, but I think every euphoniumist should have a crack at the following ten pieces at some point during their undergrad career. (I can’t say that I have, to be honest, but I’ve tried to get as many as I can.) These are in no particular order. There are original works and there are transcriptions.

1. W. A. Mozart, Concerto, K. 191 (originally for bassoon)
2. Simone Mantia, All Those Endearing Young Charms
3. Donald White, Lyric Suite
4. Jim Curnow, Concerto
5. G. P. Telemann, Sonata in F minor (originally for bassoon)
6. J. Ed. Barat, Andante et Allegro (originally for trombone)
7. R. Schumann (arr. Paul Droste), Five Pieces in Folk Style (originally for cello)
8. Ponchielli, Concerto per Flicorno Basso
9. Fred Clinard, Suite for Unaccompanied Euphonium
10. J. S. Bach, Six Suites (originally for cello)

What do you think? It’s by no means exhaustive, and I’d like to get some other opinions.

Next week: Excerpts!

WF