"Autumn Leaves" is a beloved jazz standard composed in 1945 by Joseph Kosma, with French lyrics by Jacques Prévert and English lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It has been recorded over 1,400 times and is the eighth most-recorded tune by jazz musicians. The song's AABC form, consisting mostly of ii–V–I and ii–V chord progressions that move around a circle-of-fifths, makes it popular among beginner jazz musicians for learning jazz harmony. Nathan Kelly's orchestration of the song for voice and orchestral accompaniment adds a lush quality to its sweeping melodic lines, beginning with a forest-inspired introduction that evokes the twittering of birdsong and vibrant colors of autumn. As the piece progresses from quiet, poignant moods in E minor to lush and soaring melodies in F minor, the orchestration enhances the emotional impact of the music. It is scored for a solo vocalist and orchestra accompaniment. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Dr. Set, Hp, Cel, & Strings.

"Begin the Beguine" is a classic composition by Cole Porter, penned during his 1935 Pacific cruise and later introduced in the Broadway musical Jubilee. The title of the song is derived from a dance style similar to a slow rumba. Nathan Kelly's instrumental arrangement for orchestra of the popular piece is a stunning display of shifting key centers that showcase the various choirs and colors within the ensemble. The resulting work is a sweeping big-band style sound with a cinematic flair, featuring sophisticated and altered harmonies that evoke classic Boston Pops arrangements. Despite its unconventional form and length, the song has been adapted to fit into the four-minute format of conventional time while retaining its beguine tempo and classic swing style. Instrumentation: 3 Fl, 1 Ob, 3 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Dr. Set., Hp, Cel, & Strings.

"I Loves You, Porgy" is a beautiful duet that portrays Porgy's promise to protect Bess from her abusive lover and their growing attraction from the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess by George and Ira Gershwin. Nathan Kelly's stunning arrangement features rich chordal progressions and complex harmonies that differ from the original simple rondo form, skillfully altering the key centers, emphasizing various orchestral solos, and adding an extended Coda to fully exploit the song's elegance and introspection. This allows the song to stand on its own outside of the context of the opera, highlighting its timeless beauty and emotional power. Its themes of love and perseverance against oppression and abuse continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a significant contribution to the ongoing legacy of the opera as a groundbreaking work of art. Instrumentation: 3 Fl, 1 A. Sax, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Cel, Hp, & Strings.

The "Fantasy on Gershwin's Love Theme from Rhapsody in Blue" is a recent, original musical arrangement featuring a solo piano and orchestra. Gershwin's 1924 composition, "Rhapsody in Blue," melded jazz-inspired elements with traditional Western symphonic music, solidifying his reputation as a prominent composer. Commissioned by bandleader Paul Whiteman, the piece premiered in New York City with arrangements by composer Ferde Grofé, rapidly becoming one of the most renowned and beloved concert works of the 20th century. Nathan Kelly's imaginative treatment of the timeless theme for piano and orchestra accentuates the piece's beauty and evocative power, and attests to Gershwin's contributions to the American musical genre. Instrumentation: Solo Piano, 2 Fl, 1 Ob, 3 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Hp, Cel, & Strings.

"Moonlight Serenade" is an iconic American swing ballad composed by the legendary Glenn Miller with lyrics by Mitchell Parish. Upon its release in 1939, the instrumental arrangement became an instant hit, solidifying its position as one of the most beloved songs of World War II. Nathan Kelly's innovative arrangement offers a fresh interpretation of this timeless classic, blending strings and various choirs to create a lush and tender tribute. With soaring melodies, lush harmonies, and evocative orchestration, the arrangement breathes new life into the old song, further elevating its exalted position in the American music canon. This unique take on the enduring song has cemented its place as one of the most cherished pieces of all time in the canon of American musical history. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Dr. Set., Hp, Cel, & Strings.

"My Romance" is a beloved jazz song by Rodgers and Hart, originally written for the musical, Jumbo (1935) and later sung by Doris Day in the 1962 film. Nathan Kelly's orchestration of the song is a stunning adaptation for orchestra, creating a lush and sweeping soundscape that evokes an atmosphere of elegance and romance. The rich timbres of the strings and graceful melodies interweave to create a beautiful piece of music, with subtle nuances balancing the arrangement and allowing the music to soar and evoke passion and longing. The dynamic range of the orchestration creates a dramatic and emotional journey, showcasing the power of orchestration to elevate classic songs. It offers a fresh perspective on a beloved standard and evokes enduring passion through orchestral music. Instrumentation: Solo Vocal, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 3 Cl (3° = Bs Cl), 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Hp, Cel, & Strings.

"Over the Rainbow" is a timeless ballad by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, originally written for the iconic film, The Wizard of Oz (1939). Sung by Judy Garland, it became her signature song and won an Academy Award. Arlen crafted the song for a little girl who dreams of escaping her colorless life in Kansas, with only a rainbow as her inspiration. Nathan Kelly's arrangement features complex harmonies and colorful textures that paint a lush and sumptuous soundscape as a tribute to this enduring classic that the American Film Institute calls the #1 movie song of all time. It continues to evoke emotion and inspire listeners with its beautiful melody and poignant lyrics. Its universal appeal and timeless quality make "Over the Rainbow" a cherished song for generations to come. Istrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Hp, Pno/Cel (1 player), & Strings.

"Sophisticated Lady" is a jazz standard, composed as an instrumental in 1932 by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Mitchell Parish and Irving Mills. Ellington introduced the song as an instrumental in 1933 and it peak at No. 3. In his autobiography, Ellington writes that ‘George Gershwin once told Oscar Levant that he wished he had written the bridge to Sophisticated Lady, and that made me very proud.’ This orchestral arrangement transforms Duke Ellington's classic jazz standard into a lush and captivating piece that showcases the power and beauty of orchestral music. The arrangement features soaring melodies that interweave with rich harmonies and a variety of timbres, creating an atmosphere of elegance and exquisite beauty. The result is a sweeping and sumptuous soundscape that evokes a sense of longing and passion. It offers a fresh perspective on a beloved classic, showcasing the enduring appeal of Duke Ellington's music. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Tpt, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Hp, Cel, & Strings.

Considered a jazz standard and the cornerstone of the Great American Songbook, "Stardust" has been recorded over 1,500 times featuring different performers. The orchestral arrangement for this song features a lush and romantic sound, with sweeping strings, warm brass, and delicate woodwinds. The arrangement opens with an intimate solo piano introduction, setting the mood for the nostalgic and dreamy melody that follows. The orchestration gradually builds in intensity and complexity, showcasing the depth and richness of the ensemble. The arrangement culminates in a powerful and emotive final section, where the orchestra comes together in a grand and sweeping finale, leaving the audience with a sense of longing and wonder. Written by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Mitchell Parish, the song's orchestral arrangement creates a timeless and captivating listening experience. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Hp, Cel, & Strings.

"Stella By Starlight" is a popular song by Victor Young, initially composed for the film "The Uninvited" (1944). It was later turned over to Ned Washington, who wrote the lyrics for it in 1946. The title had to be incorporated into the lyrics, resulting in an unusual placement three-quarters of the way through the song. This orchestral arrangement of features lush strings, smooth woodwinds, and warm brass, providing a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. The arrangement begins with a serene and introspective solo by a solo instrument, followed by the gentle entrance of the ensemble. As the piece unfolds, the orchestration gradually builds in complexity and intensity, culminating in a grand and sweeping finale that captures the sense of longing and wonder conveyed by the melody. Instrumentation: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Hp, Cel, & Strings.

"Unforgettable" is a popular ballad written by Irving Gordon and recorded by Nat King Cole in 1952 with arrangement by the great Nelson Riddle. The song has since become a classic and has been covered by numerous artists. This orchestral arrangement features lush strings, smooth woodwinds, and warm brass, creating a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere. The arrangement begins with a simple and elegant solo piano introduction, setting the mood for the intimate and heartfelt melody. As the piece progresses, the orchestration gradually builds in intensity and complexity, showcasing the depth and richness of the ensemble. It culminates in a powerful and emotive final section, leaving the audience with a sense of enduring love and devotion. Instrumentation: 3 Fl, 3 Ob, 3 Cl, 3 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Hp, Pno/Cel (1 player), & Strings.

"When I Fall in Love" is a popular song composed by Victor Young with lyrics by Edward Heyman in 1952 for the film One Minute to Zero. The song gained popularity with Doris Day's arrangement and has since become a standard. The orchestral arrangement features lush strings, gentle woodwinds, and warm brass that create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere. The piece begins with a simple and intimate solo, followed by a gradual entrance of the ensemble. As it progresses, the orchestration gradually builds in intensity and complexity, showcasing the depth and richness of the ensemble and culminates in a powerful and emotive final section, where the orchestra comes together in a grand and sweeping finale. Instrumentation: 3 Fl, 3 Ob, 3 Cl, 3 Bsn, 4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 2 Perc, Dr Set, Hp, Cel, & Strings.