While this recording is extremely helpful for a brass player studying the orchestral excerpts, I find it highly annoying that the last track near the end of the CD skips so badly that you cannot hear most of what Gene is talking about. It seems he is wrapping up the whole CD with some final thoughts and you miss out on it entirely!! I wrote to iTunes and was told that they will not offer me a refund... they didn't even read my email, I don't want a refund I want a clean track so I can hear what Gene is saying at the end of the CD!!! Gene went to the trouble of putting his thoughts on this CD and iTunes messed it up. Save yourself the annoyance, buy a hard copy.

Kids: Gene Pokorny is one of the greatest tuba players alive today. This CD is a great example of the rhythmical integrity of the excerpts played but it is not the tone quality you should desire. You see, he is playing so loud and blasphemous because it's how you have to play to anchor a brass section like the one the Chicago Symphony has. Any high school kid who is planning to play like this in their school or community orchestra should expect the conductor to throw their baton at them. Disclaimer #1: Please note that I don't have anything against Gene Pokorny, he is one of my favorite tubists. I'm just trying to avoid the Baadsvik affect from happening (Refering to how since he has become popular seemingly every high school kid now has his arm draped over their tuba and plays with a ton of tension!). I just dont wan't every kid to start playing balls loud in a situation where it is not needed. Disclamer #2: I have nothing against Oystein Baadsvik's playing, just his posture. He is an amazing tubist who has done so much for the instrument.

I love all of the songs, and since I play the Tuba this CD gives me some examples of how I should be sounding when I play. Or on the other this is just a fun CD to listen to!

i luv this cd cause it is fun listening to songs that i usually hear a full orchestra listen to. now, it's just a tuba! :-) my favorite songs are: pictures at an exhibition, the planets, and ride of the valkyries. this cd is totally worth it if you enjoy famous pieces of orchestra music or enjoy tuba!