The Buzz of Brass: Revel in the Rhythms of Tuba Innovation in Today’s Music Scene

The tuba took center stage at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church during the “Shout for Joy” concert on May 11. Principal tubaist Curtis Peacock from the Prescott Pops Orchestra joined flutist Jaime Ondrusek, music director Dave Len Scott on trumpet, and pianist Rita Borden for an eclectic performance spanning genres.

Opening with Claude Bolling’s “Irlandaise,” the quartet showcased a dynamic interplay of contrasting moods. The piece elegantly shifted from a relaxed tuba flow to spirited exchanges between flute and trumpet, with echoes of “Greensleeves” subtly woven in.

Listeners were captivated by Scott’s creative arrangement of the allegro from Johann Georg Neruda’s Trumpet Concerto in B Flat. He alternated between playing muted and unmuted trumpet, adding visual intrigue as the flute carried much of the melody, supported by the muted brass tones. The composition balanced formal structure with moments of restraint, allowing for bold trumpet phrases to shine.

A highlight was Peacock’s rendition of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Tuba Concerto, performed from memory on F tuba. His versatility was apparent as he previously tackled the piece on various tuba types. The first movement contrasted the tuba’s warm melodies with the piano’s ragtime undertones. The subsequent romanza revealed a more profound connection between the duo, while the energetic final movement brought playful exchanges, capped off by Peacock’s theatrical cadenza.

Ondrusek showcased his 1830 Romantic keyed flute in Mozart’s Andante in C, with Scott accompanying on the organ. Their blend filled the church with an inviting sound, emphasizing intricate details of Mozart’s composition just before the cadenza.

Transitioning to Paul Schoenfield’s “Achat Sha’alti,” Ondrusek employed the modern flute, creating a resonant, almost ethereal experience against a solid piano backdrop. The music evoked gentle imagery, reminiscent of a serene glade.

The program also featured William Schmidt’s “Tony and the Elephant, or Jim and the Roadrunner.” Here, trumpet and tuba engaged in playful dialogue, leading to a bluesy segment that left audiences yearning for a drum accompaniment.

In a nod to the concert’s theme of “high and low,” Ondrusek performed Amanda Harberg’s Sonata for Piccolo and Piano, emphasizing the piccolo’s deep range. His nuanced performance conveyed both fragility and depth, leaving a lasting impression.

Scott and the ensemble concluded with Oskar Bohme’s Trumpet Concerto in F Minor. The performance launched with infectious energy and captivating dialogue between the instruments, with Scott’s trumpet lines adding clarity and detail as they transitioned to a powerful finish.

Mark your calendars for the next “Shout for Joy” concert on August 10, featuring Scott and his brass colleagues in a quintet performance.