The song "Hey Jude" was released as a single by the Beatles in 1968, became an absolute hit within a short time. Today, it is known as one of the "Fab Four’s” greatest classics. With 7.5 million copies sold, the song is considered the Beatles' best-selling single.
Paul McCartney originally wrote the song for John Lennon's son Julian. The original lyrics and title were "Hey Jules" ("Jules" was Julian Lennon’s nickname). Lennon’s son suffered from his parents’ separation at that time. Maybe in order to not make the kid the centre of attention, McCartney later changed the title to "Hey Jude".
"Hey Jude" is a song of comfort. It starts very discreetly, with solo singing accompanied only by piano and guitar. Then it gradually increases in volume and finally culminates in a long hymnic coda in which all participants virtually celebrate a musical "party". The ending is overcoming the melancholy of the beginning. The orchestra of 36 people participating in the Beatles studio version sang and clapped their hands to the full while recording the world-famous "Na-na-na" choir!
In his arrangement Martin Scharnagl depicts this whole range of emotions. It is as simple as it is artful: elegant, singing counterpoint often enrich the musical events, and yet the structure remains compact and easy to master for any intermediate orchestra. By the way, Scharnagl's version of "Hey Jude" is also perfectly suited for small and smallest ensembles (see the instrumentation note below).
Solo for Vocal (opt.) and Band
Range: d'-f''
Lyrics: english
Serie Sound Classics No. 25
This arrangement requires the following minimum instrumentation (BASIC SET):
Trumpet 1-3
Tenorhorn (Trombone, Horn)
Euphonium (Trombone, Horn)
Tuba 2
Drum Set
The BASIC SET (incl. Condensed Score) is available separately -> click