Concerto per Flicorno Basso, Op. 155

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ponchielli’s concerto is the point at which euphonium repertoire history becomes a score rather than a family tree. Written for the Italian flicorno basso, it treats the soloist like an operatic protagonist: a substantial introduction, broad cantabile writing, and variations that grow progressively more elaborate.

The instrument named on the manuscript does not map perfectly onto a modern British euphonium, but the work has been claimed by euphonium players because its register, character, and technical language fit the instrument so persuasively. It is difficult without relying on modern extended techniques—the challenge is sustaining elegance and dramatic line while the variations accumulate notes and fatigue.

Italian on Euphonium Studio

Concerto per Flicorno Basso, Op. 155