Philip Sparke's Tuba Concerto was commissioned by the German brass instrument manufacturer, Miraphone. It was dedicated to the composer's longtime friend Markus Theinert, who gave the first performance in 2006 with the Brass Band Oberschwaben-Allgäu. The idea for a tuba concerto had been discussed many times between soloist and composer, with the goal of the piece being a true concerto with material that would suit the instrument without resorting to caricature. To this end the solo part covers ...