The use of the euphonium in selected wind band repertoire since 1980

Abstract

During the early to mid-twentieth century, the euphonium was frequently scored in wind band works as the solo tenor instrument. Since that time, there has been a general decline in the euphonium's usage as a solo instrument and in being scored with melodic lines. The purpose of this study is to determine if that trend continues. This dissertation is a survey of the treatment of the euphonium in twenty works for wind band composed since 1980. Several orchestration and arranging texts offer suggestions for scoring for the euphonium, and those authors' suggestions are included in the study. Although none of the works are composed for brass band, the use of the euphonium in brass bands and its influence on wind band scoring techniques is also discussed. Four noted authorities in euphonium performance were interviewed and their comments are included.

The twenty selected works are analyzed for each composer's unique and traditional scoring of the euphonium. A short biographical sketch begins each chapter and a brief summary is provided at the end of each analysis. There are many musical examples for each work that demonstrate the composers' scoring practices. Comments from the euphonium pedagogues are incorporated into the analyses. The conclusion summarizes the observations found in the twenty analyses and provides suggestions for continued education and advocacy