Title: Sea Dreams
Commission/Dedication: Written for Michael Fischer
Premiere: Premiered by Michael Fischer. Dates unknown.
Composer: Barbara York
Publisher: Cimarron Music Press
Year: 2002, published 2009
Purchasing: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/sea-dreams-5801
Program notes from the composer:
None.
Author assessment:
Sea Dreams is the first piece Barbara York ever wrote for tuba and is in three movements: I. Down under, II. Whales, and III. Dolphins. Barbara was accompanying Mike Fischer (formerly of Boise State) at a recital on the campus of Pittsburg State University. She had no idea the tuba could be a viable solo instrument and was very impressed by the transcriptions of Brahms that Fischer was playing for the recital. She told him “I write music sometimes. I’d really like to write something for you.” He asked if she could have it done in two months since he was hosting a festival to bring in high school students. She said she would, and that was the start of Barbara York writing music for tuba. Fischer went on to commission three more pieces from Yor
Sea Dreams is the quintessential piece for the developing young tubist. The range is not extreme, the rhythms are simple, and the melodic material is straight-forward and enjoyable. This piece is ideal to introduce the tuba to a young audience, either students or folks who have never heard solo tuba as it is easily accessible and palatable for the common ear.
In preparing this piece, here are some considerations to think about:
I. Down Under- The opening of this movement is very mysterious, as if you’re venturing down under to the bottom of the sea. At times, the solo part almost feels autonomous from the accompaniment, which is unusual for York’s writing. Keep in mind this is the first piece she wrote for tuba, and appears to have been exploring the possibilities, at times. The important thing to remember when playing this movement is to remain confident, know your counts, and do not play too soft. Enjoy the exploration!
II. Whales- This movement is loaded with sequencing and presents ample opportunity for musical interpretation and phrasing choices. For example, the first four measures of the tuba part are all sequences from the first three notes. Be sure to grow through these and support them so they don’t fall short. Two measures before 50 changes time to 3/4 . Let there be no pause or interruptions in the flow from the 6/8 to 3/4. One last thing to be aware of: the last four measures will sound confusing the first few times you play them. The held ‘D’ is fighting against a ‘D-flat’ in the accompaniment. Push through and hold the pitch steady.
III. Dolphins- This movement is straight forward and poses a few tricky measures, but nothing metronome practice won’t cure. The material around mm. 50 should be given special care to not drag. Let it move.
Recordings:
I. Down Under
II. Whales
III. Dolphins
