Title: How Beautiful
Commission/Dedication: Commissioned by Matthew and Kristy Brown in memory of Eli Reuben Brown.
Composer: Barbara York
Publisher: Cimarron Music Press
Year: 2009
Purchasing: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/how-beautiful-7494
Program notes from the composer:
How Beautiful was written at the request of Matt and Kristy Brown in memory of their son, Eli Rueben Brown, with us briefly on May 19, 2008. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings of peace; who publishes good tidings of good, and who declares salvation; who says to Zion, Your God reigns!”
It was (a) privilege for me to write this piece for the Browns, who share with me some of their most intimate thoughts and feelings in the process. They have been the embodiment of Faith, Hope and Love and are a living example that “the greatest of these” is always Love.
Author assessment:
“How Beautiful” is simply one of the most eloquent pieces written for tuba in the repertoire. The simplicity in the accompaniment perfectly cradles the emotions of the loss of Matt and Kristi Brown’s son, Eli. The difficulty with “How Beautiful” lies in that the tuba is so exposed from the accompaniment, which is sparse, in comparison to York’s other works. In discussions with York, this is the only piece she ever completely throughout the opening music and started over. Personally, knowing the way Barbara’s heart and imagination worked, she wanted this accompaniment to be simple, beautiful, and cradle the solo.
To prepare this work for performance, the tubist should practice with a drone and metronome at various tempos to ensure accuracy with intonation and flexibility. The more self-confidence with the melody the less ‘naked’ the soloist will feel on stage.
Recordings:
Matt Brown:
AJ Beu:
Zach Collins:
