Name That Tune?

[hbcrandy]

I have a problem. I have a tune running through my head and I can't remember its title. Is there a web site that would allow me to type it in on a treble clef staff, afterwhich a database would be searched and return the name of the tune, composer and title? I believe that it is a march by Henry Purcell, but, I am not sure. If I new the composer and the larger work of which this tune is a member, I could research it in either the Peabody Conservatory Library or the Philadelphia University of the Arts Library. I need it for a brass quintet arrangement.

Thank you all for any help you can give.

[Rick F]

This sight might help. You enter the phrase on a piano keyboard and search.

Musipedia - with flash piano

[Kory101]

http://imslp.org/wiki/IMSLP:Search_by_Melody" target="_blank

[hbcrandy]

Thank you for the leads. Unfortunately, none of them panned out. Does anyone have any other ideas?

Thank you.

[ralphbsz]

Thank you for the leads. Unfortunately, none of them panned out. Does anyone have any other ideas?

Thank you.

None of these "identify tune by typing it on web browser keyboard" or "enter the notes on a staff" applications seem to work. It would seem that in the age of Watson and Siri, this kind of stuff should be child's play for a bunch of computer nerds; but sadly, not enough effort is being put into it.

A few months ago, I had "moonlight serenade" (think Glenn Miller) stuck in my brain, and couldn't remember it's title. None of these programs were able to identify it.

I second YORK-aholic's suggestion: Write it out and scan it and post it here. Or record yourself playing or singing it, and post the mp3 file. You might get lucky.

[hbcrandy]

Thank you. I will punch it into Finale, print and scan it. I trust that it attaches like a photo?

[hbcrandy]

Here is the scan of the mystery tune. Name that tune, composer and the larger Barouque work of which it is a member and win first prize of an all-expenses paid week in Death Valley. Second prize is 2 weeks in Death Valley.

[Stefan]

When I took Research and Bibliography at TU, we were shown a reference book which had thousands of melodies written on a staff. The melodies were organized in some sort of "Alphabetical" order so you could find the tune you were looking for. It's in Cook library. Too bad I don't remember the name of the book. I could find out if you think you will search it out. Yeah, it does seem like it should be Purcell or something like that.

Stefan

[bbocaner]

Looks sort of like the Prelude to Te Deum by Charpentier, but not quite. Possibly distorted by memory?

[hbcrandy]

We have the Charpentier in our large brass ensemble repertoire. I am sure it is not that, but, thank you for the idea.

Stefan, if you can, without major effort, find the title of the book to which you refer, I will make an effort to get over to the Cook Library and try to find this vexing tune. Thank you.

[hbcrandy]

WE HAVE A WINNER IN THE NAME THAT OBSCURE, BAROQUE TUNE SWEEPSTAKES!!! Me.

I was right. It was Henry Purcell's March in G. After tedious internet searches, I discovered a .pdf file of an elementary school orchestra version of the piece. It is quite possibly the arrangement that I played when I was in grade school. When I played it, it was still in Henry Purcell's manusript and was conducted by Henry's brother Jack (you really have to old to understand that last bad joke).

I still would like to know more about the piece in that I could find virtually no historical information.

I will pack my bags for Death Valley after I finish this post. Thanks to all.