February 5, 2013

Dave Kirk, Principal Tuba, Discusses His Wozzeck Feature

I’m looking forward to the challenges of performing Wozzeck in early March. The work has a unique place in the repertoire, offering challenges (and rewards!) to every performer. During his tenure as Music Director, Hans Graf has frequently mentioned his desire to present the opera. I’m gratified to see his vision fulfilled.

As your friendly neighborhood tuba operator, I can tell you my part in the orchestra isn’t especially tough. As is always the case when we accompany the human voice, our greatest challenge will be to execute our passages delicately, allowing transparency.
Lest you be disappointed thinking I’ve an easy evening, there is a special and demanding moment for the tuba in Act 2, Scene 4; set in a tavern garden. Berg features an ensemble comprising two fiddles and one each of clarinet, accordion (!), guitar and tuba. At a dramatic moment when Wozzeck sees Marie and the Drum Major together, our tavern band plays for the dancing and amusement of two well-lubricated apprentices, one of whom eventually becomes annoyed with the tuba and stuffs a mute in the bell!

In Hans’s conception, the tavern band will be set apart from the body of the orchestra, placed on the stage’s close right corner (audience view). Berg allows just enough time for us to finish our orchestral entrances, get in place for our role in the tavern scene, and return to the opera orchestra.

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As I considered the upcoming Wozzeck performances, my thoughts immediately returned to memories of my first season as a member of our great orchestra. During the 1982-83 season, the Houston Symphony was in the Jones Hall pit for the Houston Grand Opera’s production of Wozzeck. I did a roster check to discover, by my estimation, some 18-20 HS musicians remain from those who played for this HGO production thirty years ago.

I know the experience of playing Wozzeck will be as invigorating for the veterans as for the players who’ve joined us over time.

I’m appreciative of the foundations, corporations, and individuals whose dedicated support of this project enables what we will create. Our presentation would not have happened without their vision for the highest artistic expression.

Back to the horn. The tavern solo awaits.

Dave Kirk

The Houston Symphony performs Wozzeck on March 1 and 2, 2013. CLICK HERE for tickets and more information.

Video: Why Wozzeck?