Sonata for Tuba and Piano
Instrumentation: F Tuba, Piano
Duration: 14'
Movements:
I. Playful
II. Reflective
III. Intense
Video from March 4, 2020
Performers: Adam Denner, Isaac Raymond Smith
Program Notes: While not programmatic in nature, Sonata for Tuba and Piano seeks to bring out the many sides of the tuba, an instrument often neglected by composers. In the process the piece also explores various forms of joy. Movement 1 brings out a playful type of joy with its bouncing ostinato and interplay between tuba and piano. Movement 2 shows a reflective and appreciative joy, utilizing the dark tone of the tuba and a pleasing harmonic progression. Finally, Movement 3 illustrates an energetic and exuberant joy, keeping its momentum throughout the course of the short rondo through use of polyrhythmic accompaniment and a furious race to the finish.
Completed: May 2018
Performance History:
March 4, 2020
Adam Denner, tuba; Isaac R. Smith, piano
Isaac R. Smith Senior Recital
Davis Recital Hall, University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, Iowa)
April 12, 2019
Jeff Baker, tuba; Libby Vanatta, piano
SCI 2019 Region VI Conference
Recital Hall, Texas A&M-Commerce (Commerce, Texas)
April 3, 2019
Donovan Klutho, tuba; Sean Botkin, piano
Spotlight Competition Finals
Great Hall, University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, Iowa)
October 26, 2018
Adam Denner, tuba; Isaac R. Smith, piano
UNI Brass Seminar
Bengtson Auditorium, University of Northern Iowa
April 3, 2018 (Mvmt I only)
Adam Denner, tuba; Isaac R. Smith, piano
Student Composers' Concert
Davis Recital Hall, University of Northern Iowa
Recording History:
October 28, 2018
Adam Denner, tuba; Isaac R. Smith, piano