Details
2024, 1 movement, 6 mins.
Published by
Magnolia Music Press
Description
Apéritif was composed in 2024 for the LSU Tuba Euphonium Ensemble, Dr. Charles Goodman, Director. It is in a single movement with three main sections. The opening section is moderately fast and uses mouthpiece pops (hitting the mouthpiece with the flat of the hand) near the beginning. The introduction and main theme are highly syncopated. The more relaxed second section’s theme uses quarter note triplets. A quiet transition leads to the final section which again has a highly syncopated theme taken from a brief motive used in the first setion.
Recording
No commercial recording available
Reviews
ITEA Journal (Fall 2025, used by permission)
Ranges:
Euphonium I: B-flat – b-flat1
Euphonium II: B-flat – a-flat1
Euphonium III: F-sharp – a-flat1
Euphonium IV: C – a-flat1
Tuba I: EE – e1
Tuba II: CC – e1
Tuba III: CC – e1
Tuba IV: CC – e1
Difficulty Level: IV
If you are not familiar with the term “apéritif”, it refers to an alcoholic beverage served before a meal to rouse one’s appetite. What a fitting name for this short, exciting work, that would be a fantastic opener to a tuba euphonium ensemble program.
The award-winning composer Paul Hayden wrote this work in 2024 for the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tuba Euphonium Ensemble, which is directed by Charles Goodman. Hayden is an alumnus of LSU as well as a graduate of the University of Illinois, with degrees in composition from both institutions. In addition to composing numerous works, he has taught at Eastern Illinois University and LSU.
Apéritif is a lively but brief piece with three distinct sections. The work is quite varied, beginning with an exciting intro using mouthpiece pops and fast syncopated rhythms throughout all eight parts. The intro sets the stage with an edgy atmosphere, as the work continues with a series of running sixteenth notes passed back and forth from the euphonium to the tuba, creating a sense of musical dialogue. After the opening, the work slows and turns contemplative. Hayden uses hemiolas of eighth-note patterns with the melody in quarter-note triplets, evoking a mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere. A quick transition brings the piece back to a broad and fulfilling conclusion, making use of the depth of sound available to an eight-part low brass ensemble.
Apéritif is [six] minutes in length and is classified as Level IV in difficulty due to range and rhythm complexities. The rewards of this demanding work are well worth the effort, offering an electrifying journey that captivates both performers and audience from start to finish.
Dr. Steven Maxwell, Kansas State University