About Wagner Tuba

Have you ever heard of the Wagner tuba?
You may think that you have never heard of this instrument....

This time, we would like to focus on the maniacal instrument, the "Wagner tuba.


What is the Wagner tuba?

The Wagner tuba is an instrument invented by the 19th century German composer Wagner.
Wagner was planning to make the tone of his orchestra more effective, and needed a new instrument to enhance the middle and bass tones.

The Wagner tuba was born.

The Wagner tuba is an instrument that plays the role of a tuba, but is not played by a tuba player.
It has a small mouthpiece and can be played by a horn player.


◆Why is it played by a horn player and not a tuba player?

The reason is that tuba players are scarce in orchestras.
Therefore, it was developed as a tuba that can be played by horn players, which are numerous in number.

Depending on the piece, there may be swapping between the Wagner tuba and the horn in the middle of a piece.


◆Music to be used.

Bruckner, a follower of Wagner, incorporated the Wagner tuba in his Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Symphonies. The second movement of the Seventh Symphony, in particular, is a memorial to Wagner, and the Wagner tuba plays an important role.

Richard Strauss, a composer who developed Wagner's style, also used the Wagner tuba in his operas "Elektra," "The Shadowless Woman," and "Alpine Symphony.

Later, the Wagner tuba was also used in Stravinsky's "The Firebird" and "The Rite of Spring," Schoenberg's "Glee Song," and Bartók's "The Wonderful Chinese Official.


◆How to learn?

Our horn players with extensive orchestral experience are available to teach.
However, in many cases, the instructor does not own a Wagner tuba, so it is best to ask for lessons from a professional orchestra member or university teacher who can borrow the instrument for free as needed. It is always best to ask for lessons from a professional orchestra member or university teacher who can borrow an instrument free of charge as needed.

The Lesson Grid has many horn teachers. If you are interested in learning the Wagner tuba, please apply to Lesson Grid. We are waiting for you.