Tuba & 12 was inspired by a Bedouin proverb that states: “While the words are yet unspoken, you are master of them; when once they are spoken, they are master of you.”

Proverbs, in general, state a general piece of advice. This piece assumed that words were spoken, resulting in tension and an apology. Relationships, the first movement, has brass vs. woodwinds, tonality vs. dissonance, duples vs. triplets, et al. as well as the synergy and cooperation among all. Unspoken Words is the second movement and the dissonant opening theme in the piccolo and flute is presented three times. The third movement is Resolution. Over a constant low pedal G, the horn ostinato adds tranquility as all the themes from the first two movements return in fragmented form, before all is finally resolved.

Although tuba has top billing in the title, each instrument is equally important.

The sample score shows the first page of each of the three movements. The complete recording is available for free.

Composer: Anne McGinty
Instrumentation: Piccolo, Flute, 2 Clarinets, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, 2 Trumpets, 2 Horns, 2 Trombones & Tuba
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 11:00 / 75 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: N/A