André Ameller (1912–1990)
Performed on euphonium.
Ameller, composer, conductor and double bassist, began studying at the Paris Conservatory in 1931, graduating in 1934 with a degree in double bass. He continued his studies until 1947 receiving degrees in conducting, harmony, fugue, counterpoint, composition and music history. From 1937 to 1953 he performed as a double bassist with the Opéra national de Paris. In 1953 he became director of the École Nationale de Musique serving until his retirement in 1981.
Originally written to be performed with wind orchestra, the Tuba-Concert is through-composed with frequent style changes. The range demands of this work make it difficult to perform on modern instruments without some modifications. Dedicated to Paul Bernard, it was used as the contest piece for the concours in 1952.