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Commissioned by the SymbiosisDuo, this original composition by Chris Sharp embodies the ideals of the tuba-euphonium duo.

Symbiosis was written for the euphonium-tuba duo of the same name comprised of Gail Robertson and Stacy Baker. The range for euphonium is from F to c², and tuba is from CC to g¹. The tuba part is playable on either bass or contrabass tuba, though there is a considerable section near the beginning that stays down near CC. There are a number of challenges presented for the artists, including numerous meter changes, extensive dexterity in extreme ranges, two sizeable sections of multi-phonics, and various aural intricacies due to harmonic and melodic language. The work takes on a jazz feel from time to time, interspersed with an “other-worldly” timbre in the multi-phonic sections.

The work has plenty of challenge and interest for the performers, and also has decent audience appeal, though it will stretch the ears a bit. My only complaint is with the notation of the parts. While it is very helpful to have both the brass lines on separate staves on the part, the size of the print is fairly small. The music could be printed larger. Aside from that, the published version is well constructed, with the piano part spiral bound for easy page turning, and both bass and treble clef parts are included.
~Tim Olt, Wittenberg University

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