Sonata for Bass Tuba and Piano David Uber

The Sonata for Tuba and Piano by David Uber was commissioned by Frank H. Meredith professor of low brass at Colgate University.

This piece is composed in a populist vein, which is characteristic of so much of Uber's music. The tuba is called upon to play in more of an agile woodwind type fashion. Uber presses that agility to its limits for the tuba. The work has neoclassical characteristics but in a highly 'American' setting. The music is bouncy and fun, with hints of drama, in its outer movements. The slow movement is highly expressive and draws on Uber's strong jazz vocabulary. At times the movement takes on an American 'film noir' type quality, full of mystery and beautiful jazz progressions. The last movement is playful for the soloist, and the simplest and shortest of the movements, leaving the piece to finish on a refreshing and musically light note.

Inhalt / Content:

I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante, poco agitato
III. Allegro