Description
Amaia, Concerto for Tuba, was originally written with band accompaniment, commissioned by Joseph Awad and dedicated to Carol Jantsch, principal tuba of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The piece was originally composed with band accompaniment and premiered on February 3, 2024, with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” during the Euphonium and Tuba Workshop.
This brass band arrangement was written and premiered by Tommy Tynan and the Cory Band, conducted by Philip Harper, during the RNCM International Festival of Brass Band 2025.
Movements
I. Gaztelugatxe
II. Amaia’s Letter
III. The Final Element
Instrumentation
The orchestration of Amaia for Tuba and Brass Band includes the following instruments:
- Solo Tuba (available in E♭ and C)
- Cornets
- Soprano Cornet
- Solo Cornets 1 & 2
- Solo Cornets 3 & 4
- Repiano Cornet
- 2nd Cornet
- 3rd Cornet
- Flugelhorn
- Horns
- Solo Horn (also available in F transposition)
- 1st Horn (also available in F transposition)
- 2nd Horn (also available in F transposition)
- Baritones
- 1st Baritone
- 2nd Baritone
- Trombones
- 1st Trombone (available in bass clef or treble clef)
- 2nd Trombone (available in bass clef or treble clef)
- Bass Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tubas
- E♭ Bass (also available in C)
- B♭ Bass (also available in C)
- Percussion
- Timpani
- Percussion I
- Percussion II
- Percussion III
Duration
17-18 minutes
Composition Date
2024
Additional Information about Amaia for Tuba and Brass Band
“Amaia” is a story of transformation and personal growth set along the Cantabrian coast of northern Spain. The young protagonist, Amaia, embarks on a dreamlike journey through iconic locations such as Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastián to learn how to control the four natural elements: water, earth, fire, and air. Throughout her adventure, she encounters mythical beings from Basque mythology, such as the Lamiak, Olentzero, and Basajaun, who teach her valuable lessons about the elements and life.
The story reaches its climax in a battle against a devastating storm at the Peine del Viento (“The Comb of the Wind”), where Amaia not only fights the forces of nature but also confronts the emotional pain caused by the loss of her father, who died at sea. This battle symbolizes her internal struggle and process of overcoming adversity. Amaia’s story is an allegory of maturation and coping with grief, showing how, through overcoming both external and internal challenges, a child can find the strength to move forward and renew herself.
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