A Study of the Use of Tuba in Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Nine Symphonies

An analysis of Vaughan Williams use of tuba in his nine symphonies is presented. Specific orchestrational techniques that apply to the tuba part are identified and documented. Some of the techniques examined include: low instrument grouping, isolation and alternation of same family instrument groups, the tuba’s place in thematic development, the tuba’s role as evoking emotional response, and the tuba’s function in bass line.