"The Natural" - A Suite for Brass, Organ & Percussion: I.

"The Natural" - A Suite for Brass, Organ & Percussion
Original Music by Randy Newman
Arrangement by Andrew Bishop

I. Prologue 1915-1923

Trumpets:
Andrew Bishop
David Baxter
Bret Goter

Horns:
Andrew Tryon
Matt Aelmore
Amanda Staffon
Guy Vollen

Trombones:
Matt Blauer
Ann George
Steve Gracy

Tuba: Phil Black

Organ: Genevieve Bishop

Timpani: Jamie Nelson

Percussion:
Phil Merz
John Carson
Brent Fales

Conductor: Travis Johnson

from

Guest Alumni Trumpet Recital
"Andrew Bishop: Trumpet In Chamber Music"
Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas
Oct. 4, 2007

Program Notes:
"The Natural" -- A Suite for Brass, Organ, and Percussion. This arrangement of the film score from "The Natural" is the embodiment of two of the most important aspects of my life: being devoted to music, and having an undying love for the game of baseball. It seems that every time I sit down to watch "The Natural," I find it hard to hold back the tears as Roy Hobbs, in his last at-bat hit an impossibly long home run to win the pennant. Randy Newman's film score composed for this monumental moment never ceases to encapsulate the drama perfectly. His music certainly lends itself to the majesty and mythical nature that baseball has provided passionate fans for well over a hundred years. Newman's score inspired me to combine my love of music and baseball into this concert suite, and it occurred to me that his music would fit well within the musical colors inherent to the brass and organ combination.

My time working on a master's degree from the University of Missouri also provided me with inspiration to pursue this arrangement. It was after taking the course "Contemporary Musicological Issues: American Film Music" from MU music history professor and musicologist Dr. Michael Budds that I decided I would finally begin this work. The final and most important inspiration, however, can be expressed with this engraved dedication:

For my father, Roger Bishop, and in celebration of passing the love of baseball through the generations.

Dad grew up in St. Louis, MO, and naturally became a die-hard Cardinals fan. He passed that love to his children, and this is my way of thanking him for such a simple yet wonderful gift. It is a gift that I will honor him by passing along to my own children some day. I truly believe it is that exact process that makes baseball so great. It's not about multi-million dollar salaries or statistics; it goes beyond loving the Cardinals, hating the Yankees and booing the Cubbies.... it's about playing catch with your dad in the backyard, and going to Little League games on calm summer evenings. It is fond memories such as these that lie at the true heart of the inspiration for this arrangement.
Andrew Bishop
April 2, 2005

Program:
Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, from Cantata No. 51(Bach): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LgDSMu25JE

Sonata for Trumpet & Piano (Stevens)
I. Allegro moderato: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akoj2z4prh0
II. Adagio tenero: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N90v10PGtfg
III. Allegro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPr-za5d4zQ

Toot Suite (Claude Bolling)
I. Allegre: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72zhkQRdKYI
II. Mystique: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNrUfphRAd4
VI. Spirituelle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH7XmmulNb8

"The Natural" - A Suite for Brass, Organ & Percussion (Newman/arr. Bishop)
I. Prologue 1915-1923: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBA2LuPhfyI
II. The Whammer Strikes Out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwzNUDXL6ng
III. "Knock The Cover Off The Ball": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icc2dDgiGxE
IV. Wrigley Field: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRqZvnnH8VA
V. A Father Makes A Difference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh5by2bRG64
VI. The Final Game - The Natural: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRzLoJLaRrM

Feel free to visit my web page:
www.myspace.com/andrewbishoptrumpet

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Andrew
• Bishop
• Trumpet
• Organ
• Brass
• Natural

[conneryj]

Andrew: I was so delighted to come across this! I wanted you to know, I was one of your dad's students (class of '78, to be exact), and one of Bethany's first psychology majors. Your father was a joy to know as a teacher and a mentor, and my heart broke when I learned of his passing. My best to you and your family. Jeanne

[hotlipsab]

Jeanne, I sent you a personal message via youtube, please look for it in your inbox. Thank you!

Andrew

[GetzenBassPlayer]

Very emotional music. Wherever your father may be, this brought a smile to his face.

[hotlipsab]

GBP, I tend to think so as well. =)

All the best!

[DoggieBark]

Why is the screen in the back opening up and closing in the back. Good playing by the way.

[hotlipsab]

The "screen" is actually the shutters on the pipe organ. They are used to control the volume (soft, loud, etc.)

Hope that helps. Thanks for watching

Andrew

[Olen1009]

Good musicians, but I miss the trumpet that played the organ part on the soundtrack.

[DoggieBark]

I am a student of David Baxter, he really has taught me a lot about trumpets. I enjoy his enthusiasm greatly.

I really enjoy this piece, very beautifully done.

[hotlipsab]

You are very kind to say so. It was truly an honor to give this recital, and especially to perform this piece in memory of my dad.

Best wishes,

Andrew

[jflandry39]

Does anyone know how I could put this song on my ipod