Goodbye, 2020, even though some good came of you: a renewal of focus on the self, new directions in artistic creativity, new ensemble collaborations, and new friends.
A glass raised to you as we part ways and head towards a brighter future!
Tag: euphonious
A Hymn About Tomatoes
“Blessed is the Fruit” from the vine, soaked with sun and ripened so fine!
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.
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.
In addition, I am figuring out how to better utilize the video/audio editing software and was able to add some churchy-style reverb to this one! I am very excited for this feature!
Enjoy this wonderful Pastafarian Tomato Hymn!
Jessica Landsteiner: Trumpet and Vocals
Sarah Houle: Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba and Vocals
“Blessed is the Fruit”, by Sarah Houle, 2020, for Brass Quartet (Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba) and Piano/Vocal/Chords.
Bier Trinken
I’m remembering the fun, adult band trips overseas today as I post this special piece. There has been hopeful talk of once again gathering for band. Another special trip seems to possibly be in the works as well as the summer season for two community bands I’m a part of. Leadership and members have been pretty active emailing each other and trying to figure out how to have a safe musical outdoor season this coming summer.
We all miss our community band friends and long to play as a group again.
This piece, “Bier Trinken”, was conceived after returning from my second international band tour with the Three Rivers Concert Band in 2016. We visited Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria. One of our concerts in Czech Republic occurred at a beer hall in a very small town (Spejchar Zelec). Playing that concert of typical band pieces with some polkas thrown in, smelling and tasting the brews, was a highlight of that tour. Finally, in 2020, the year of staying home and not playing music in ensemble, I’ve been able to focus more on composition and finished “Bier Trinken”. Please and dunkel, pils and thank you…enjoy!
“Bier Trinken”, by Sarah Houle, 2020, for Brass Quartet (Trumpet with optional divisi 2nd part, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba) with Lyrics and Lead Sheet (Piano, Vocal, Chords).
Euphonious Music 