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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

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Recording History:

October 28, 2018

Adam Denner, tuba; Isaac R. Smith, piano

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