Description
Frivol I Tease for Solo Tuba (or Bass Trombone) and Piano was commissioned by the Portuguese virtuoso Sergio Carolino. It is in two contrasting movements. The first movement, Modal I Tease, begins with a brief modal intro. That is followed by a loping 5/4 jazz waltz (a la Brubeck’s “Take Five”). The tuba states the melody over a static piano figure. Then the piano repeats the theme over an obligato tuba accompaniment. The second is a bitonal section between the instruments. This leads into a real 3/4 jazz waltz based on a “cool” set of chord changes I found that builds to a high G in the tuba. The modal intro returns to end gently.
Movement two, Complex I Tease, is a virtuoso showpiece for both the tubist and pianist. Wide intervals, sudden dissonances, glissandi and surprising meter changes abound. The tuba part covers a 4 octave range and is very high energy. The piece really shows off the spectacular technical abilities of Sergio Carolino.
Frivol I Tease and its movements are more of my “punny” titles. I joke that my titles are better than my music.
- Jim Self
Score and parts included: Tuba (or Bass Trombone)
