While at first viewed by critics as the eccentric idea of an aging composer, the concerto soon became one of Vaughan Williams' most popular works and an essential part of the
tuba repertoire. The work is in three movements: A performance commonly takes about 13 minutes. Apart from the solo tuba, the piece is scored for two
flutes (2nd doubling on
piccolo),
oboe, 2
clarinets (in B),
bassoon, 2
horns (in F), 2
trumpets (in B), 2
trombones,
timpani,
triangle,
snare drum,
bass drum,
cymbals, and
strings. A version exists for euphonium, transposed to B minor by David Childs, with Vaughan Williams's orchestration transposed and rearranged by Rodney Newton. ==Recordings== The concerto has since received a large number of concert performances and recordings. Live performances include those by
Arnold Jacobs,
William Bell, and
Roger Bobo. In addition to the first recording by Catelinet and the LSO, other recordings of the concerto have featured the following artists: •
Øystein Baadsvik (soloist);
Singapore Symphony Orchestra with
Anne Manson, conductor (
BIS) •
John Fletcher (soloist);
London Symphony Orchestra with
André Previn, conductor (
RCA SB #6868) •
James Gourlay (soloist);
Royal Ballet Sinfonia with
Gavin Sutherland, conductor (
Naxos) • Peter Whish-Wilson (soloist);
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra with David Stanhope, conductor (
ABC) ==References==