Autour de Babel

Autour de Babel (Composing a solo work for tuba is only justified when one is aware of the instrument’s possibilities. Only through the knowledge of the different repertoires and styles, given by a distinguished player, can a composer be stimulated in to coming forth with a Project of this kind. That distinguished player is Sergio Carolino, for whom this piece is written. This work constitutes an attempt to achieve organic unity through an arrangement of the multiple expressive, technical and timbric capabilities, along with several other equally important parameters. Two different styles are identifiable throughout the movements. At the level of motif, and rhythm: there is an almost improvised constant virtuosity in the first and third movements, with violent dynamic and tempo changes, reporting immediately to Jazz. With a contained character, expressing intimacy and introspection, the second movement is easily recognisable as being a tango. From the explosion of a sfz in an fff, to the subtlest ppp, all are transformed into elements, materials and substance, which drive the ever-changing routes of this piece, where the tuba plays different roles, and conciliates the diverse solicited demands)