Newburyport Sonata

SKU: PR.114422850

ISBN 9781491137550. UPC: 680160691005.

Amid his beloved catalog of music for low brass, NEWBURYPORT SONATA is Eric Ewazen’s first recital work for tuba. The composer’s preface tells us, “This work was written during the year of Covid quarantine, and it reflects the strong emotions of that time. The final movement is full of energy and a return to life! There is almost a march-like feel to the music, with a lively and even playful rhythm as the tuba lines are bold, strong, and ultimately energetic and exciting.” The work is also available as NEWBURYPORT QUINTET for Tuba and String Quartet.
The Newburyport Sonata began life as the NEWBURYPORT QUINTET for Tuba and Strings, commissioned by David Yang, director of the Newburyport Chamber Music Festival in Massachusetts. The quintet version was premiered by members of the festival, featuring tuba soloist Scott Devereaux of the U.S. Army Field Band.I’ve long been a fan of low brass instruments and had the pleasure of attending the very first Tuba/Euphonium Convention at Indiana University, which was a real celebration of low brass! As a former cellist (I’ve long been a fan of instruments with a tenor/bass range, the world of euphoniums and tubas) I wanted to write a piece showcasing both the wonderful virtuosity the instrument is capable of, and also its expressive lyricism, which shaped the NEWBURYPORT QUINTET. This adaptation for tuba and piano consequently has a wide variety of musical gestures and moods, exploring the color of the instruments.The first movement is in compound rhythm, with a lilting, energetic 6/8 feel supporting a cantabile line in the Tuba. In a traditional form, there are contrasting themes, sometimes playful and sometimes heroic, which share a lively, rolling rhythm. The second movement is a heartfelt appassionata, with the Tuba sometimes singing in a soulful minor key, and sometimes expressing powerful emotions.This work was written during the year of Covid quarantine, and it reflects the strong emotions of that time. The final movement is full of energy and a return to life! There is almost a march-like feel to the music, with a lively and even playful rhythm as the tuba lines are bold, strong, and ultimately energetic and exciting.In writing this piece, I collaborated greatly with Scott, who played through passages I wrote and gave me technical suggestions on how to flatter the gorgeous sound of the Tuba, allowing it to really sing!The quintet version is also available from the publisher, www.presser.com/114-42284.