The Wagner tuba was invented by Richard Wagner, for use in his epic Ring of the Nibelung. It is a brass instrument of two sizes (Bb - tenor F - bass) that contrary to its name is based on the horn with regards its playing technique and position. Although a rare instrument, several composers have written music for it since its conception.
In 1853 Wagner, on a visit to Paris, visited the shop of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. In his search for the perfect instrument for his 'Valhalla' motif, Wagner wanted the forlorn sound possible on the trombone but with a less piercing sound, such as that found on the horn. The composer found the solution with help from instruments already available. In 1844 Václav František Červený, a contemporary of Sax, brought to the market the 'cornon'; a tuba-like instrument, with a horn mouthpiece. It proved very popular, especially in Austrian, Swiss and German military bands. It is thought very likely that the instrument was known to Wagner, and would inspire his Wagner tuba. Around eight years before Wagner's visit, Sax had patented a new instrument called the saxhorn, a bugle-horn type instrument with a narrow bore profile. Wagner combined the horn mouthpiece found on the cornon with the narrow bore of the saxhorn to create his new 'tuba', which had the desired combination of horn, trombone and tuba timbre. Despite the similarities to the horn, its wider and more conical bore set it apart.
Wagner used four Wagner tuba in his compositions: two in Bb (or Eb) and two in F. Other composers who have written for the instrument since have also used different combinations, and even single instruments. The unique timbre of the instrument is often utilized when a particularly 'heroic' horn-type sound is required, and in a modern orchestra the Wagner tuba is usually played by the hornists due to the similar playing style.
Note Production and Construction
The Wagner tuba is a combination of elements of the tubas (bugle horns) and horns. Like the horn, it uses rotary valves which are played with the left hand (unlike other Tubas) with the same fingerings. It also used the horn mouthpiece. The bell however is substantially smaller than the horn, and points upwards rather than parallel to the ground. Some Wagner tubas are 'double' models, meaning that they have a thumb trigger allowing the player to switch between Bb and F intonation, negating the need for two seperate instruments. A similar function is available on double horns.
Selected Pieces
Anton Bruckner - Symphony No.7 - Adagio / Finale
This piece features four Wagner tubas in the second and fourth movements. I wasn't personally able to discern whether it was the Wagner tubas or the other brass instruments playing at any given time as I haven't a lot of experience with the brass section. As I was watching a video recording of the performance though there were times when the camera was focused on the Wagner tubas themselves so I could definitely associate the sound with the instrument. Comparing the passages to another recording of some horns, there's a definite similarity there with the 'muffled' sound, and although I can tell the difference in sound when listened to side by side, I'm unsure if I'd be able to pick out the instrument from the orchestra like I could with say the oboe or cello.
Andrew Downes - Prelude from Five Dramatic Pieces for Eight Wagner Tubas
This short piece is a contemporary example of composition for this instrument. As the ensemble was just for the eight Wagner tubas I was able to hear very clearly the timbre. The piece also had some contrasting sections, with some very smooth and flowing, and others of a more dance-like character. I found the Wagner tubas to have a very sublime and beautiful sound when harmonising each other. If I didn't know it was scored for Wagner tubas, I'd probably think I was listening to horns and trombones.
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