The tuba’s origins can be traced back to the development of the brass band in the early-19th century. Since then, it has found a permanent home in orchestral brass sections, as well as in other musical cultures. But it wasn’t until 1954 that the first tuba concerto was written. The composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, displaying characteristic (and overlooked) foresight, saw in the instrument potential that extended far beyond its usual role dwelling at the bottom of an orchestral score. It has, after all, a substantial pitchrange; it is surprisingly agile in its upper registers; and, because of lesser demands on breath capacity, it is well capable of sustaining a lyrical line at high altitudes. Composers from John Williams to Alexander Arutiunian to Jennifer Higdon have since been inspired to write concertos of their own, each finding new ways to explore the instrument’s soloistic potential.

Read the full programme note and profile on the London Symphony Orchestra website