The tuba is a large instrument of coiled metal tubing with a wide conical bore opening into a large bell.
The mouthpiece is cup-shaped and situated near the bell. It has three to five valves or pistons to lengthen or shorten the
tubing and so lower or raise the pitch.
The tuba was invented in the nineteenth century and is a successor to the Serpent and the Ophicleide.
It is played in a vertical position and is the lowest sounding of the brass instruments. It reinforces the bass line of the orchestra. The tone is heavy and mellow and can be comical at times.
In the orchestra the tuba is located beside the trombones and there is normally only one. The standard tuba is pitched in F and is notated in the bass clef. It is a non-transposing instrument, sounding as written.
Sonata for Tuba and Piano - Paul Hindemith
Tubby the Tuba - music: G.Kleinsinger, story & lyrics: P.Tripp (narrated by Danny Kaye)
