THE ORCHESTRA: A USER'S MANUAL

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Introduction Orchestration Orchestration Resources Historical Andrew Hugill
  Philharmonia

TUBA


Section: Brass
Transposing? No

Construction
Range
Articulations
Effects
Mutes
Extended
Player's Tips and Tricks

Links

Effects

NAME
DESCRIPTION
NOTATION
LISTEN/VIEW
COMMENTS
vibrato
undulation in pitch
verbal instruction, sometimes with wavy line

vibrato
lower register
higher register

Produced either by diaphragm and instrument motion used together, or by embouchure. Vibrato is used sparingly in the orchestra.
glissando
slide in pitch between notes
low register
high register
Half-valves in the lower register, and harmonic series or 'lip' glissando in the upper register.
trills
rapid alternation between two pitches

this shows a minor trill followed by a major trill, indicated by accidentals over the note. If these are not given, players will choose trill type based on musical context. The wavy lines indicating duration of trill are also optional.

trills

low register
mid register
high register

All trills are possible, but those in the bottom register are extremely 'woolly'.
tremolo (or shake)
rapid alteration between two pitches more than a tone apart

tremolos
low register
mid register
high register

Very slow and awkward. The pitches are indistinguishable in the bottom register.