Description
From the composer:
Each of these 10 etudes depicts one aspect of what is arguably the most awkward social rite ever invented: the blind date. Nervous Anxiety/Eager Anticipation/Relaxed progresses through three common stages of date anticipation, while Small Talk captures a not very successful attempt to initiate conversation. So Much In Common celebrates the giddy recognition of sharing similar interests, while Fanfare For Nothing In Common (with apologies to Aaron Copland) sounds the alarm as DNA-level incompatibility becomes evident. Love At First Sight speaks to that welcome seductive feeling of increasing attraction and hopeful vision that “this may be the one!” just as Chatty/Annoying tells a different story. Reflecting, Revolving Spoon suggests the quiet introspection of stirring and staring into a coffee cup as one sits across from “the other”, assessing the personal dynamics at play. Opposites Attract musically defines that well-worn bromide from the dating scene, while Tons of Fun is just that. The final etude, Emergency Number Speed-Dial Rescue Phone Call…well, that says it all.
- James Grant
This is the first composition in James Grant’s five-year Songs Without Words Project, a collection of 50 recital pieces composed specifically for musicians playing and studying at the university level. Commissioned by a consortium of 84 tuba players, each of the 10 Blind Dates depicts one aspect of what is arguably the most awkward social rite ever invented: the blind date. Included are alternate advanced versions for graduate students and professionals.
solo parts included: Tuba
