Air From Richard Coeur De Lion (from Learn As You Play Tuba): Instrumental Solo

Wastall's arrangement strips away unnecessary complexity while preserving the lyrical heart of this medieval melody. It sits in a sweet spot for developing tubas: accessible enough for early intermediate players, but musically substantial enough to hold the interest of advancing students.

A noble, measured melody with the character of a crusade-era fanfare softened by time. The arrangement unfolds with dignity; there's no hurry, just the steady, singing quality of an old tune remembered well.

Tuba students at the early intermediate level who are ready to step beyond exercise books into actual repertoire. This works particularly well for players building confidence in sustained melodic playing and developing musicality in a classical context.

• Shape the melody line with natural phrase breathing; let the lyricism guide your dynamic contours rather than playing at a uniform volume.
• Engage your air support on longer note values to prevent pitch from sagging in the lower register.
• Balance the accompaniment texture carefully so the tuba's bass foundation sits behind rather than beneath the harmonic voices.

Pair this with other Learn As You Play selections for a cohesive educational recital, or feature it as a bridge piece between a contemporary opener and something heavier. It reads comfortably within a 30-minute rehearsal block focused on classical foundations.

• Sustaining and shaping long melodic lines with consistent tone
• Breath control and phrasing in a lyrical context
• Reading score notation at early intermediate difficulty
• Responding to dynamic and harmonic support from ensemble parts