Going Down (CD)

Going Down (CD) Going Down was commissioned by the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK (Wind & Percussion Department) for international tuba virtuoso Jim Gourlay. Premiered by Jim Gourlay at the RNCM International Tuba and Euphonium Festival on Saturday 15th November 2003. Scored for Solo Tuba and accompanying CD, all the sounds on the CD originated from the tuba. Going Down divides into three sections ; the four phrases of the introduction are accompanied by breathing noises on the CD before the second section is introduced by key clicks and various other tuba-generated percussive effects. Within the second section are three sub-sections ; an angular jazz-influenced melody that harmonically expands with the introduction of tubas on the CD, a quieter second section that uses two and three-part harmony alongside effects such as slap tonguing and manipulated inhaling sounds on the CD, before building to the third sub-section where the influence of latin and jazz-funk rhythm and harmony is more to the fore. A solo cadenza links the second and third main sections. The third and final section is reflective and calm. Up to this point I generally avoided writing in the lowest octave of the tuba, now is the time to go down. The CD comprises a wash of sampled tuba sounds, the Solo Tuba part has a series of notes that gradually descend to a low C, played with a rhythmic freedom that allows the implied harmonies to be different with each performance. Special thanks to Jim Gourlay and Steve Williams (studio engineer/producer) both of whom gave so much energy and expertise to help make this piece a reality.