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Dio che nell’alma infondere
This song is a duet between Rodrigue, the Marquis of Posa, and the title character from the Verdi’s opera Don Carlos. This grand opera in five acts is based on a story involving European royalty in the sixteenth century. Verdi (1813–1901) premiered this work at the Paris Opera in 1867. In this piece, the two men swear eternal friendship. The English translation of the lyrics best express the sentiment of this piece: “Oh God, who wished to instill love and hope in our souls, Thou must kindle within our hearts a desire for liberty; Thou must kindle within our hearts a desire for liberty; We swear to live and die together.”

As implied by the lyrics of this song, the euphonium and tuba parts are frequently in close harmony. The harmonic material includes frequent parallel thirds as well as some contrary motion and echo effects. In keeping with Verdi’s romantic tradition, there are frequent dynamic swells, fermatas, tempo changes, and various articulations to increase the dramatic effects of this piece. Supported by a piano accompaniment in this arrangement, the duet treats both parts equally. The range of each part is not overly demanding, but the tuba part seems to hover in a rather high tessitura, at the top of the bass clef for most of this piece. Overall, the range spans just over three octaves, B to c2, including the optional high C on the final duet chord.

Veteran composer, arranger, and conductor Joe Kreines transcribed this song for SymbiosisDuo as part of their sheet music collection. SymbiosisDuo is comprised of Stacy Baker, tuba, and Gail Robertson, euphonium. Dr. Baker is a professor of music at Morehead State University and a founding member of the tuba-euphonium quartet Junction, while Ms. Robertson is the tuba-euphonium instructor at the University of Central Florida and a founding member of Walt Disney World’s Tubafours.

The piano, tuba, and euphonium parts are computer-generated and clear. Both bass and treble clef versions of the euphonium part are provided. Rehearsal letters are included for performers’ convenience. The individual parts are somewhat challenging, especially when players strive for the most musical performance. This duo would be appropriate for players at the collegiate level and beyond. With a unified sound, this duo would add a beautiful and romantic element to any recital program.
~Daniel Johnson, University of North Carolina Wilmington

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