Derek Bourgeois - Bourgeois Tuba Sonata Op 204

By: Derek Bourgeois

This three movement sonata was written in the Autumn of 2003 at the request of Delia Triggel. It is a virtuoso work, and a slow movement is flanked by 2 quicker movements, the last of which is a frantic but humorous rondo in which the tuba plays extremely fast. The language of this work is a great deal more openly melodic and straightforward than that of the composers Tuba Concerto, a 45 minute work written for John Fletcher in 1972.

"... Fletchers one time NYOGB desk partner, Derek Bourgeois, has written a great amount of music for the tuba including studies, duets and a formidable 45 minute concerto. His Sonata for Tuba and Piano may not be as technically demanding but there is still much to challenge the advanced student or professional player. The 15 minute work follows a fast-slow-very fast movement plan, closing with a frantic rondo, marked prestissimo. I foresee this very attractive and tuneful work becoming a regular feature of college and professional programmes."
Reviewed Music Teacher