Description
From the composer:
One of my favorite sounds is a men’s choir. Its rich overtones convey a lot of beauty and emotion. The closest instrumental equivalent is the modern tuba-euphonium choir–which expands those qualities with even wider dynamics and range. Christmas music played by this kind of ensemble is rich and glorious. For 35 years (from 1976 on) I organized TubaChristmas Los Angeles. As part of that I decided to have a 12 part professional ensemble (6 euphoniums/6 tubas) play special Christmas arrangements. The greatest LA players come out and each year I commissioned a new arrangement. Many talented writers wrote some of the hippest charts ever. In 2013 we recorded a CD of 20 of them. It is titled ‘Tis the Season “Tuba” Jolly, by the Hollywood Tuba 12 and has been reviewed as one of the greatest tuba ensemble recordings ever. Listening to this recording will put you in the holiday spirit and will be good for your nerves, winter colds and hangovers–kind of like a massage. Sit by the fire with a toddy and turn up the stereo. Surround yourself in the warmth of 12 Tubas. You will sleep like a baby while visions of sugarplums dance in your head. This is Christmas music you can really “feel”. The CD is available on www.jimself.com, CD Baby and other on-line platforms.
One of my two charts is the title tune, ‘Tis the Season TUBA Jolly (Deck the Hall in disguise). It begins with a lovely solo euphonium over a chorale-like slow intro and moves into a fast odd-meter romp – my Don Ellis influence. Modulations come and go with all 12 players having challenging parts. The odd meters return and the chart ends with a return of the chorale and a 5/4 finale.
- Jim Self
All euphonium parts come in BC
