"A Deserted Farm" is one of ten movements from a collection of piano pieces called "Woodland Sketches" by the early American composer Edward MacDowell. It is one of his primary works that place MacDowell in the pantheon of American greats. Each movement of the suite consists of ten pieces that depict a unique image associated with the American countryside. The most well-known pieces are "To a Wild Rose" and "A Deserted Farm," which have become part of the common musical repertoire. Instrumentation: Solo English Horn, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 2 Hn, 2 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 1 Perc, & Strings.

"Allegro Barbaro" (BB 63, Sz. 49), composed in 1911, is one of Béla Bartók's most famous and frequently performed solo piano pieces. The composition is typical of Bartók's style, utilizing folk elements and a darkly savage style. The work combines Hungarian and Romanian scales; Hungarian peasant music is based on the pentatonic scale, while Romanian music features chromatic elements. Instrumentation: 2 Fl (2° = Picc), 2 Ob (2° = E. Hn), 2 Cl (2° = Bs. Cl), 2 Bsn (2° = C’bsn), 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 3 Perc [Xylo, Piatti, Sm Susp Cym, Tamb, Sn Dr, Tam-Tam, Bs Dr], Hp (opt’l), & Strings.

"At Church" (also known as "In Church") is a short piano piece by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It is the 24th piece in his Album for the Young, Op. 39 (1878). Its slow and solemn melody evokes the grandeur of cold cathedrals, where Russian Orthodox priests waft incense down long aisles. The piece creates a contemplative and introspective mood, transporting listeners to the sacred atmosphere of a church and showcasing the composer's powerful ability to convey emotions through music. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 2 Hns, Timp, 1 Perc, & Strings.

"February: Carnival" (Op. 37a, movement 2) is one of twelve character pieces for solo piano from "The Seasons," a collection representing the different months of the year in Russia, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky during the same period he was writing his popular ballet, Swan Lake. The piece captures the festive and lively energy of the famous Carnival celebrations during the month of February. The lively rhythms and playful melodies make it a favorite among pianists and audiences alike. Instrumentation: 2 Fl (2° = Picc), 2 Ob, 2 Cl in A, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 2 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, & Strings.

"Étude" (Op. 25, No. 6), nicknamed the "Double Thirds Étude," is a technical study in G-sharp minor composed by Frédéric Chopin, featuring trilling thirds at a high speed. It is renowned as one of the most challenging pieces among Chopin's 24 Études and is rated the highest level of difficulty on the Henle scale. Due to the intricate and technically demanding nature of the piece, an unusual orchestration was required to orchestrate this impressive piano showpiece. This étude is a testament to Chopin's exceptional compositional and technical abilities and remains a favorite among piano virtuosos and enthusiasts alike. Instrumentation: 2 Piccolos, 2 Flutes, 2 Ob, 2 Cl in A, 1 Bs. Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 2 Tbn, Timp, 1 Perc, Hp, Cel, & Strings.

Claude Debussy's Préludes consist of 24 solo piano pieces divided into two books of 12 preludes each. Unlike other sets by Chopin, Shostakovich, or Bach, Debussy's preludes for piano do not follow a strict pattern of tonal centers. They are exquisitely written showpieces that offer beguiling themes and colors with the titles deliberately placed at end of the pieces. At the end of Book Two, "Feux d'artifice" ("Fireworks") is a dazzling showcase of technical virtuosity and color. In this orchestration, the shimmering melodies and vivid textures are retained and expanded for a large orchestra, making it an exciting and impressive showpiece for any celebratory event. Instrumentation: 3 Fl (3° = Picc), 3 Ob (3° = E.Hn.), 3 Cl (3° = Bs. Cl.), 3 Bsn (3° = C’bsn); 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 4 Perc, Pno/Cel (1 player), 2 Hps, & Strings.

Italian composer Giacomo Puccini wrote four songs for solo voice with piano accompaniment, which were never orchestrated; however, this work brings the collection to life, while staying true to Puccini's style. The four songs: "Mantîa L’Avviso," "Morire," "Sole E Amore," and "Terra E Mare" retain their original keys, chords, melodies, and counterpoint and serve to showcase Puccini's remarkable ability to portray complex emotions through music. This orchestration allows for the songs to be performed in any order, offering versatility for performers. It is a testament to its beauty and enduring relevance of the composer. Instrumentation: Solo Voice, Harp, & Strings (Quartet or String Section).

“Fugue in C Minor” (BWV 847) is a keyboard work composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, the second fugue in the first book of The Well-Tempered Clavier. It comprises three voices and is 31 bars long. As typical in Baroque fugues, the subject is repeated in the dominant key (G minor) in the top voice and then in the home key in the lowest voice, followed by a development section. The fugue concludes with a picardy third. The instrumentation expertly highlights each of Bach's brilliant voices, resulting in a dynamic fugue that showcases the composer's genius. Instrumentation: 3 Fl (3° = Picc), 3 Ob (3° = E. Hn.), 3 Cl (3° = Bs Cl), 3 Bsn (3° = C’bsn), 4 Hn, 2 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, & Strings.

"Fugue in E-flat major" (BWV 876) was written for organ and is part of J.S. Bach’s "The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II." This 70-bar fugue has a tonal answer and primarily uses the Tonic and Dominant keys. However, it goes beyond these keys in only two instances, specifically in the second episode, where it temporarily shifts to C minor. The piece consists of 4 voices, and its orchestration draws inspiration from Edward Elgar's treatment of another Bach Fugue. This orchestration captures the spirit and excitement of Elgar's treatment, creating a dynamic rendition of this Bach masterpiece. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 2 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 1 Perc, Hp, & Strings.

Claude Debussy's "La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin" ("The Girl With Flaxen Hair") is a solo piano composition and the eighth piece in the composer's first book of Préludes, written between late 1909 and early 1910. The piece depicts the image of a girl with flaxen-colored hair, a symbol of innocence and naivety in fine art. Debussy's choice of simplicity was unusual at the time, deviating from his style and utilizing traditional harmonies. The piece is 39 measures long and takes approximately two and a half minutes to play in Gb major. This orchestration was supervised by Jonathan Tunick, retains the original key and spirit of the favored piano classic. Instrumentation: Solo Clarinet, Harp, Celesta, & Strings.

“Golliwog’s Cakewalk” is the final piece of Claude Debussy’s piano suite Children’s Corner, dedicated to his daughter Emma and featuring toys coming to life. Influenced by Afro-American ragtime and jazz, the piece also includes a mocking reference to Wagner’s famous motif from ‘Tristan and Isolde.’ It has been arranged for both "modest" orchestras (in C, with modifications) and "advanced" orchestras (in Db, retaining the composer's rhythms and melodies). The piece's playful and lively character, along with its fusion of styles, has made it a popular choice for both pianists and orchestral musicians. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 2 Hn, 2 Tpt, 2 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 1 Perc, Pno/Cel (1 player), & Strings.

“Golliwog’s Cakewalk” is the final piece of Claude Debussy’s piano suite Children’s Corner, dedicated to his daughter Emma and featuring toys coming to life. Influenced by Afro-American ragtime and jazz, the piece also includes a mocking reference to Wagner’s famous motif from ‘Tristan and Isolde.’ It has been arranged for both "modest" orchestras (in C, with modifications) and "advanced" orchestras (in Db, retaining the composer's rhythms and melodies). The piece's playful and lively character, along with its fusion of styles, has made it a popular choice for both pianists and orchestral musicians. Instrumentation: 2 Fl (2° = Picc), 2 Ob (2° = E Hn), 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 2 Tpt, 2 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, Dr. Set, 1 Perc, Hp, & Strings.

"Intermezzo in A major" (Op. 118, No. 2 in A major) is a well-known solo piano composition by Johannes Brahms. Completed in 1893, it is dedicated to the composer's friend and fellow musician, Clara Schumann. As the penultimate work published during Brahms' lifetime, the piece is revered for its poignant and lyrical qualities. It serves as a testament to Brahms' exceptional use of harmony and melody, captivating audiences and musicians alike for over a century. With its delicate yet powerful expression, it remains a beloved addition to Brahms' oeuvre and a hallmark of Romantic-era piano music. It is dedicated to Nathan’s teacher Jonathan Tunick. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl in A, 2 Bsn, 4 Hns, Hp, & Strings.

The brief "Marche" (Op. 12 No. 1) in F Minor is a charming piece of music from Sergei Prokofiev's collection of '10 Little Piano Pieces', intended for young pianists. The first movement, inspired by No. 6 of the Little Songs, Series V (1906), features a memorable melody that is both straightforward and captivating. This piece emphasizes the piece's vivacity while offering a novel interpretation of Prokofiev's original work. The orchestration was first performed by the Juilliard School Orchestra in New York City under the direction of Daniel Ott. Instrumentation: 2 Fl (2° = Picc), 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 2 Hn, 2 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 1 Perc [Glockenspiel, Piatti, Snare Drum, Triangle, Gran Cassa], Hp, & Strings.

Frédéric Chopin's "Prelude" (Op. 28, No. 4 in E minor) is a poignant piece that is part of a set of 24 preludes. At Chopin's request, this composition was played at his funeral, along with Mozart's Requiem. Despite being only one page long, the piece is a masterpiece that uses a descending melody line. The melody begins with the dominant B and moves to the tonic E, but halfway through the piece, the descending line is interrupted, and the melody begins anew. The final bars of the piece dissolve into the tonic and move through a chord progression to the soothing and satisfying E minor chord. Instrumentation: Solo Clarinet, Celesta, Harp, and Strings.

Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Prelude in G minor" (Op. 23, No. 5) is structured in ternary form, consisting of a march-like opening section followed by a lyrical melody played over an extended arpeggiated figure. The final section returns to the opening theme, building in tempo and dynamics and culminating in a powerful and thrilling conclusion with chromatic chords. The middle section features a poignant and moving melody that showcases the composer's ability to convey emotion through music. This prelude's distinctive character and style have made it a beloved piece for pianists and music lovers alike. Instrumentation: 3 Fl (3°=Picc), 3 Ob (3° = E. Hn), 3 Cl (3° = Bs. Cl), 3 Bsn (3° = C’bsn), C’bs Cl (opt’l), 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc [Mark Tree, Piatti, Suspended Cymbals, Snare Drum, Gran Cassa], Hp, & Strings.

"Reverie" (L.86) is a peaceful and serene piano composition by the renowned Claude Debussy. It was one of his earliest solo piano pieces to have a significant impact. The repetitive and dreamy theme that opens the work perfectly captures the essence of its title. While "Reverie" can be seen as a forerunner to Debussy's later works, which featured a more harmonically complex texture and lush soundscapes, it remains a beloved piece due to its picturesque and calming nature. Pianists often include this delicate work in their repertoire, and classical music enthusiasts consider it a landmark contribution of the Impressionist era. Instrumentation: Solo Clarinet, 2 Harps, 1 Celesta, 2 Percussion [Mark Tree, Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal], & Strings

Johannes Brahms' "The Four Pieces for Piano" collection, which includes the "Rhapsodie in Eb" (Op. 119, No. 4), is a masterful composition that represents his final work for solo piano. Composed during his summer holiday in Ischl, Upper Austria in 1893, the set consists of three intermezzos and a rhapsody. Brahms' musical expertise and compositional skills are showcased throughout this final work, which has earned its place in the classical piano repertoire. The piece continues to captivate both pianists and music enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the brilliance of one of the most prominent composers of the Romantic era. Instrumentation: 3 Fl (2°=Picc), 3 Ob (2°=E.Hn.), 3 Cl (2°=Bs. Cl), 3 Bsn (2°=C’bsn), 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Hp, Timp, & Strings.

Edvard Grieg, the Norwegian Romantic-era composer and pianist, is known for his collection of piano pieces "Lyric Pieces," Op. 68, which includes this captivating work. Grieg's use of Norwegian folk music helped develop a national identity and brought Norwegian music to the world stage. His music is part of the standard classical repertoire worldwide. This rousing piano piece is scored for a brass ensemble, showcasing Grieg's artistry in blending folk music with classical composition. The brass composition is a bold orchestration of the original piano piece, demonstrating the versatility and beauty of Grieg's music. Instrumentation: 4 Horns, 2 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, & Tuba.

J.S. Bach's "Sleepers Awake" is a beloved sacred cantata for the organ. It is an orchestration based on his arrangement of the second chorale from Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (BWV 140), which was inspired by a hymn written by Philip Nicolai during a plague. The hymn encourages believers to share their light and take up their lamp for joy. Bach's masterful arrangement weaves a poignant tapestry of colorful, independently moving counterlines that come alive with the vivid sounds of the orchestra, including the distinctive harpsichord that evokes the Baroque era. This enduringly popular piece pays tribute to Bach's music and its continued relevance in inspiring audiences during troubled times. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob (2°=E.Hn.), 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 2 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 1 Perc, Hp, Hpschd, & Strings.

"November: Sleigh Ride" is a stunning movement from Tchaikovsky's 12-movement piano suite, The Seasons, Op. 37a. It portrays each month as inspired by his homeland, Russia, and this piece, also known as "Troika Ride," captures the essence of a winter sleigh ride. Now orchestrated, it evokes a sense of enchantment and joy in a transposed an entirely new orchestration of the piece, in the key of C major, transporting listeners to a winter wonderland. This enduring excerpt testifies to Tchaikovsky's legacy as a master of melody and harmony, and is a fitting tribute to the beauty and power of classical music, inspiring audiences to embrace the magic of the holiday season. Instrumentation: 3 Fl (3° = Picc), 3 Ob (3° = E. Hn.), 3 Cl in A (3° = Bs Cl), 3 Bsn (3° = C’bsn), 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 3 Perc [Glockenspiel, Triangle, Mark Tree, Sleigh Bells, Temple Blocks, Slapstick], Hp, Cel, & Strings.

"November: Sleigh Ride" is a stunning movement from Tchaikovsky's 12-movement piano suite, The Seasons, Op. 37a. It portrays each month as inspired by his homeland, Russia, and this piece, also known as "Troika Ride," captures the essence of a winter sleigh ride. Now orchestrated, it evokes a sense of enchantment and joy in the original key of E major, transporting listeners to a winter wonderland. This enduring excerpt testifies to Tchaikovsky's legacy as a master of melody and harmony, and is a fitting tribute to the beauty and power of classical music, inspiring audiences to embrace the magic of the holiday season. Instrumentation: 3 Fl (3° = Picc), 3 Ob (3° = E. Hn.), 3 Cl (3° = Bs Cl), 3 Bsn (3° = C’bsn), 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 3 Perc [Glockenspiel, Triangle, Mark Tree, Sleigh Bells, Temple Blocks, Slapstick], Hp, Cel, & Strings.

"Three Dickinson Songs" is a mesmerizing collection of music by Andrè Previn, consisting of three contrasting movements inspired by the poetry of Emily Dickinson. The original piano pieces have been expertly orchestrated while preserving the unique character of Previn's compositions. This new orchestration, approved and praised by Previn himself, showcases his unparalleled talent and imbues each movement - "As Imperceptibly as Grief," "Will There Really Be a Morning?," and "Good Morning Midnight" - with an ethereal quality that transports listeners to a different realm. The result is a stunning tribute to the beauty and power of Dickinson's poetic art and Previn’s colorful music retained in their original keys. Instrumentation: Solo High Voice, 2 Fl (2° = Picc), 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 1 Bs. Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, Hp, Cel, Strings (min. 6-4-4-2-2).

"Woodland Sketches" (Op. 51) is a captivating suite of ten short piano pieces by American composer Edward MacDowell. Published in 1896, it blends impressionistic techniques with Native American and Southern music to evoke the New England wilderness. The movements, widely regarded as some of MacDowell's most distinctive works, share stylistic motifs that are recombined and summarized in the final movement. This orchestration captures the piano's shimmering melodies, evocative textures, and vivid colors in their original keys. From the peaceful "To a Wild Rose" to the delightful "Told at Sunset," the suite offers a compelling journey through MacDowell's musical vision of the American wilderness. Instrumentation: Solo Clarinet (in both A and Bb), Harp, Celesta, & Strings (min. 6-6-3-3-2).