Sketches on a Tudor Psalm by Fisher Tull: A PDF Score for a Challenging and Rewarding Piece of Music
Sketches on a Tudor Psalm Score PDF Download: A Guide for Band Directors and Musicians
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding piece of music for your concert band, you might want to consider Sketches on a Tudor Psalm by Fisher Tull. This original set of variations uses the same Tallis psalm setting that Vaughan Williams used in his Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, but with a different approach and style. In this article, we will give you an overview of what Sketches on a Tudor Psalm is, why it is a popular choice for concert bands, how to download Sketches on a Tudor Psalm score PDF online, and how to prepare and practice the piece. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about Sketches on a Tudor Psalm at the end.
sketches on a tudor psalm score pdf download
What is Sketches on a Tudor Psalm?
Sketches on a Tudor Psalm is a piece of music for concert band composed by Fisher Tull in 1971. It is based on the third mode melody from Thomas Tallis' Nine Psalm Tunes for Archbishop Parker's Psalter, which was published in 1567. The melody is also known as "Why Fum'th in Fight" or "The Third Tune".
A brief introduction to the composer Fisher Tull
Fisher Tull (1934-1994) was an American composer, educator, and trumpet player. He taught at Sam Houston State University for 35 years, where he also served as the head of the music department and the director of bands. He composed over 80 works for various ensembles, including orchestra, band, choir, chamber music, and solo instruments. He was influenced by composers such as Hindemith, Bartok, Stravinsky, Copland, and Schoenberg. He was also interested in jazz, folk music, and electronic music. Some of his most famous works include Concerto Grosso for Brass Quintet and Orchestra (1966), Eight Profiles for Solo Trumpet (1971), Concerto No. 2 for Trumpet and Band (1974), Rhapsody for Trumpet and Band (1980), and Passacaglia (Homage on B-A-C-H) for Band (1987).
A summary of the musical structure and style of the piece
Sketches on a Tudor Psalm is divided into five sections: Introduction, Theme, Variation I, Variation II, and Coda. The piece lasts about nine minutes. The Introduction presents the Tallis melody in its original form by the woodwinds, followed by a brief fanfare by the brass. The Theme states the melody in a more modern harmonic setting, with some rhythmic and melodic alterations. Variation I is a fast and lively section that features the woodwinds and percussion, with some contrapuntal and syncopated passages. Variation II is a slow and expressive section that features the brass and saxophones, with some lyrical and chromatic lines. The Coda is a recapitulation of the Theme, with some added embellishments and climactic moments. The piece ends with a final statement of the Tallis melody by the full band.
The style of the piece is influenced by Tull's interest in neoclassicism, serialism, and jazz. He uses a 12-tone row derived from the Tallis melody as the basis for his harmonic and melodic material. He also uses various techniques such as inversion, retrograde, augmentation, diminution, transposition, and permutation to create variations on the row. He also incorporates some jazz elements such as syncopation, swing rhythms, blues scales, and extended chords. The piece is characterized by its contrast between tonal and atonal sections, between consonance and dissonance, and between simplicity and complexity.
A comparison with Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Sketches on a Tudor Psalm is often compared with Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, which is another piece of music based on the same Tallis melody. Vaughan Williams composed his piece in 1910 for string orchestra, and revised it in 1919. It is one of his most famous and beloved works. It is also divided into five sections: Introduction, Theme, Variation I, Variation II, and Coda. However, the structure and style of the two pieces are very different.
Vaughan Williams' piece is more faithful to the original melody, which he preserves throughout the piece. He uses modal harmonies and polyphonic textures that evoke the Renaissance era. He also creates a spatial effect by dividing the orchestra into three groups: a large string orchestra, a smaller string orchestra, and a string quartet. He uses these groups to create contrasts and dialogues between them.
Tull's piece is more adventurous and innovative in his treatment of the melody, which he transforms and develops throughout the piece. He uses modern harmonies and rhythmic patterns that reflect his contemporary influences. He also creates a dynamic effect by using different combinations of instruments and registers. He uses these elements to create tension and release in his music.
Both pieces are masterpieces in their own right, and they show different ways of interpreting and expressing the same musical idea.
Why is Sketches on a Tudor Psalm a popular choice for concert bands?
Sketches on a Tudor Psalm is a popular choice for concert bands for several reasons. Here are some of them:
The challenges and rewards of performing the piece
Sketches on a Tudor Psalm is not an easy piece to perform. It requires a high level of technical skill, musicality, and ensemble coordination from all the players. It also requires a good understanding of the musical structure, style, and history of the piece. However, these challenges are also what make the piece rewarding to perform. The piece offers many opportunities for musical expression, creativity, and communication among the players. It also showcases the versatility and richness of the concert band as an ensemble.
The historical and cultural significance of the piece
Sketches on a Tudor Psalm is not only a musical work, but also a historical and cultural work. It connects the past with the present, and bridges different musical traditions and genres. It pays homage to one of the greatest composers of the Renaissance period, Thomas Tallis, who was also one of the first composers to write music for English texts. It also pays tribute to one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, Ralph Vaughan Williams, who was also one of the pioneers of English music nationalism. It also reflects Tull's own musical identity as an American composer who was inspired by various sources such as classical music, jazz music, folk music, and electronic music.
The availability and affordability of the score and parts
Sketches on a Tudor Psalm is widely available and affordable for concert bands to purchase or rent. The score and parts are published by Boosey & Hawkes, one of the leading music publishers in the world. The price for the band set and score is $135 USD (as of June 2023), which is reasonable for a high-quality piece of music. The score can also be downloaded as a PDF file from various websites online (more on that later).
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