Tuba Mirum (Requiem, K. 626)
Requiem in D minor, K. 626 — The gold standard of orchestral auditions worldwide. Tests pure lyricism, centered tone production, and seamless legato.
Click any notehead on the staff to hear pitch and inspect slide position
Alternate Slide Positions & Legato Route Strategy
Prioritize short slide moves: Keep F3 in 1st position and D3 in 4th position, or use sharp 1st position for D4 to minimize awkward hand extensions.
Orchestral Audition Jury Checklist
Verify each criterion during slow practice before bringing the excerpt up to concert tempo:
Historical Context & Performance Tradition
Written for the Alto/Tenor trombone doubling as a duet with the solo bass voice, this sacred masterpiece opens with an expansive trombone solo representing the last trumpet.
Recommended Bore, Bell & Mouthpiece Setup
Bach 42B or Yamaha YSL-882O with medium-deep 5G/6.5AL mouthpiece.
Orchestral Audition & Slide Kinematics Matrix
Measure-by-measure jury evaluation points, alternate slide routes, and conservatory audition benchmarks.
| Section & Measures | Clef & Pitch Range | Audition Jury Evaluation Focus | Alternate Slide & Acoustic Strategy | Orchestral Audition Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mm. 1–5 (Opening Solo Announcement) | Tenor Clef · Bb2 – F4 | Noble, solemn tone quality with zero split attacks. Soft-tongue "Doo" articulation in 442Hz European pitch. | Play F4 on 1st position; F3 on 1st position (or 6th if matching lower partial overtone). | Vienna Philharmonic & Berlin Philharmonic Round 1 Solo Round. |
| mm. 6–18 (Lyrical Dialogue with Bass Soloist) | Tenor Clef · Bb2 – G4 | Vocal singing cantabile. Continuous diaphragm breath support with no pitch sag at ends of phrases. | Use raised 4th position for G4 when moving from F4 (1st) for short-throw economy. | Royal Concertgebouw & London Symphony standard preliminary audition. |