Tubadour

Walter Hilgers presents "Tubadour," a captivating journey through the world of solo tuba music, released on July 8, 2008, under the Marcophon label. This 58-minute album is a testament to Hilgers' virtuosity and versatility, showcasing a diverse range of compositions that highlight the tuba's expressive capabilities.

The album opens with a choral prelude, "Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland," setting a contemplative tone before diving into the three-movement "Sonate II für Tuba und Cembalo." This sonata, with its Allegro moderato, Siciliano, and Allegro sections, demonstrates Hilgers' technical prowess and musical sensitivity, accompanied by the delicate interplay of the tuba and harpsichord.

"Der Genesene an die Hoffnung" offers a moment of introspection, while "Escenas Latinas" brings a vibrant Latin flair to the album. This suite of four pieces—Candombe, Tango, Balada India, and Choro—showcases the tuba's rhythmic agility and melodic expressiveness, transporting the audience to the lively streets of Latin America.

The album concludes with the four-movement "Konzertante Suite für Solotuba und 4 Hörner." This grand suite, with its Largo - Allegro vivo, Moderato misterioso, Andante con sentimento, and Alla marcia sections, is a tour de force that highlights Hilgers' mastery of the tuba and his ability to command the stage with a quartet of horns. Each movement offers a unique emotional landscape, from the solemn and mysterious to the triumphant and march-like.

"Tubadour" is not just an album; it's a comprehensive exploration of the tuba's potential, from its deepest, most resonant tones to its highest, most soaring melodies. Walter Hilgers' performance is a celebration of the instrument, offering a rich and varied listening experience that is sure to captivate both tuba enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike.