So I get to do evaluations of three of the top euphonium players in the world? Right. Okay, here goes. For the most part I'll give you the words and phrases that occurred to me as I was listening -- rather than trying to be too discursive about it.
Baglin:
Somewhat fuzzy tone. Subdued, rather unemotional and unmoving to the point of being boring. Technically adept, but way too much focus on that. Not much dynamic contrast. Wouldn't be anxious to listen to it again.
Mead:
Dynamic, forceful, and (to at least some degree) emotional. Still a bit laid back in places, and maybe a bit too "artistic" (self-conscious?). Nice phrasing and tonal contrast, and good dynamics. Technically better than Baglin, but the low range was very disappointing. The flag waving was silly, but good showmanship under the circumstances. I would have preferred better articulation. Rich tone -- at least in middle and high registers.
Frey:
He wins. Singing, rich, and expressive tone and phrasing. Very good and interesting low range (blows Mead away on this, I think). Very lyrical (a description that I would not apply to the other two). Inspiring tone quality and an emotional and sensitive delivery.
That's my take.
Gary Merrill
Wessex EEb Bass tuba (DW 3XL or 2XL)
Mack Brass Compensating Euph (DE N106, Euph J, J9 euph)
Amati Oval Euph (DE 104, Euph J, J6 euph)
1924 Buescher 3-valve Eb tuba (with std US receiver), Kelly 25
Schiller American Heritage 7B clone bass trombone (DE LB K/K10/112/14 Lexan, Brass Ark MV50R)
1947 Olds "Standard" trombone (Olds #3)