Blessed is the Fruit, by Sarah Houle, 2020, for Brass Quartet (Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba) and Piano/Vocal/Chords.
This lovely little hymn tune is a song about….tomatoes! Tomatoes are one of the most revered fruits according to Pastafarians. The Sauce, in the Pastafarian Holy Trinity (The Pasta, Sauce and Meatballs), is typically a delicious, red marinara. This tune is appropriate for any harvest time celebration of thanks-giving. “Blessed is the Fruit” honors the humble tomato and all the time and effort that goes into its transformation from garden to plate.
Beginning with a short instrumental intro, this tune has three verses, each with a bit of variation. I chose to give the euphonium the melody line in Verse 1 with typical part writing in the trumpet, trombone and tuba. In verse 2, the trombone gets the melody over a pretty interesting pizzicato-like tuba line. The other instruments enter into harmonies halfway through the verse. Verse 3 is special. The trumpet soars with the melody while the tuba gets to play a descant line. Trombone and euphonium play their own fanfare-like fills interspersed with the tuba. In verses 2 and 3, there are optional vocal harmonies and obbligato lines.
This catchy tune makes a nice addition to the Pastafarian Hymnal.
Enjoy this wonderful Pastafarian Tomato Hymn!
If you have an interest in performing this piece, please use the contact form below. An unmarked PDF download will be sent to you of the entire set. I’d only like to know where you intend on performing the piece…and would love to hear any performances of it!
Euphonious Music 