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Eight Profiles (1980) For Solo Trumpet III – To R. M. Fisher Tull (1934-1994)Biographical Info
Fisher Tull was born in Waco, Texas. He received his musical training at North Texas State University. When Dr. Tull originally went to NTSU he was assistant to John Haynie as a trumpet teacher and as a staff arranger for the renowned NTSU Lab Bands. After He graduated in 1957 he went to Sam Houston State University as instructor of trumpet, theory and jazz ensembles. He returned to NTSU to study with Samuel Adler for his doctorate in composition.
A native Texan, Fisher Tull earned three degrees from the University of North Texas, including a Ph.D. in Music Composition (1965). He studied trumpet with John Haynie and composition with Samuel Adler. The dedicatees of Eight Profiles were all members of a group of trumpet players who found themselves enrolled in college at the same time. Fisher Tull was one of this group who appeared in Denton, Texas to study music and the trumpet with John Haynie. Haynie continued to influence and shape trumpet players at that university until his retirement in 1990 and continues to “keep in touch” with many of his former students and younger players who seek his advice on the art of trumpet playing.
That Tull was a melodist cannot be questioned after just one listening to the Eight Profiles. That he played the trumpet is probably also apparent, perhaps more so to trumpet players. He also had a bent for musical form. Each Profile is a two-part exercise, if you will, akin to Bach’s Preludes and Fugues. The Profiles were composed as a set but the composer anticipated that only a few would be excerpted and performed in concert. Performing all eight is a Herculean task probably feasible only in recordings. Yet, hearing them side-by-side paints another portrait—one of the composer. Thematically he draws heavily upon his past works but recasts the music in a fresh way to showcase the trumpet and to honor his colleagues. But the overall effect is more than mere étude or sentimental reminiscing. What emerges is a beautiful portrait, or series of portraits, painted by the sound of a single trumpet.
Tull stopped playing the trumpet in the middle 1960s coinciding with his PhD in composition and appointment as Chairman of the Department of Music at Sam Houston State University. However, his involvement with the trumpet continued by composing, along with the Eight Profiles, 2 concerti, a Sonata, the Rhapsody, Three Bagatelles (dedicated to John Haynie), and numerous works for brass quintet and larger brass ensembles. These works are treasured by brass players and continue to be performed frequently by students and professionals.
While there is no indication for this in the score, it seems to me that these eight profiles are presented in increasing difficulty or complexity. However, none of them I would consider terribly easy!
Suggested Equipment
It is not stated what trumpet these are to be played on. I prefer Bb but C works as well. The eighth profile first section has optional mute. All others are open.
Practice/Performance Tips
While most of the first movements of these Profiles are rather free and rubato, the first movement of Profile III has some subtle rhythmic nuances. Be careful to note that Tull approaches certain important notes of a phrase with; 2 eighth-notes, or 2 sixteenths, or 2 eighth-note triples, or 2 sixteenth-note triplets. Subtle differences but worth noting. (pardon the pun.)
The second movement is in 8/8 but the entire movement is grouped and felt in 3-2-3. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF TWO MEASURES! Those two measures (found in lines 5 and 6) are grouped in 4/4.
Fisher Tull 8 Profiles for Solo Trumpet related links:
Suggested Recordings
Kevin Cobb – One. This is a fantastic CD of all unaccompanied material. Kevin is one of the great solo, chamber trumpet players around today and plays with the American Brass Quintet and teaches at Julliard and Aspen. His CD is an absolute MUST HAVE for any serious trumpet player.
John Holt – Unconventional Trumpet
Anthony Plog – 20th Century Settings for Trumpet