"Wagner tuba, nominal pitch: 12-ft F"

Wagner tuba, nominal pitch: 12-ft F | Alexander | Early 1930s

The Wagner tuba was commissioned by Richard Wagner for use in his Ring Cycle, a set of four epic operas. They have a sound that is a cross between a horn and a trombone and they are usually played by horn players. Other composers, such as Béla Bartók, Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky, and John Williams, have composed music the use Wagner tubas. These two instruments are part of a quartet of Wagner tubas in the MIMEd collection and were formerly played in the London Philharmonic Orchestra.One of the quartet of Wagner Tubas (all now in this Collection) brought to Britain by Sir Thomas Beecham for the London Philharmonic Orchestra c 1934.

Wagner tuba

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Wagner tuba, nominal pitch: 12-ft F

Accession Number

2516

Collection

MIMEd

Date Information

Date Made

Early 1930s

Period

20th century; 1930s

Gallery Information

Gallery

Wolfson Gallery

Case

Brasswind case 3

Maker Information

Maker Name

Alexander

Made In

Country

Germany

Description

Other Information

Specific usage history: One of the set of four purchased by the London Philharmonic Orchestra c 1934.

Technical Description

Technical description: m.t.s. is between mouthpiece and valves. Bell segment external diameter at one bell diameter 84. Valve type: 4 rotary valves. Overall size: 795; bell diameter 255. Sounding length: segment lengths: from distal end of ferrule after valves 414; intermediate segment 1152; bell segment 471. Bore: m.t.s. 11.9 - 12.8, v.t.s. 13.6. Bell flare:- Dia of mouthpiece receiver: m.r.t. 8.1 at end; compare with 8.3 for the two instruments in Bb, (2515) and (2854). Inscribed on bell "GEBR. / ALEXANDER / MAINZ" within decorative surround, and "LPO / 1". With old (c 1948) heavy wooden case and more modern lightweight case. Associated with Wagner tubas (2515), (2854) and (2855). Illustration references: Vol.1 p.123.

Provenance

Gift of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, 1985.

Classification