Arrangements
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Aaron's orchestral arrangements have been commissioned by such groups as the Minnesota Orchestra and the North Carolina Symphony. He has also created a number arrangements for small groups, many of which he has performed on guitar.
Autumn Leaves (Les feuilles mortes)
Kosma/Prevert/Mercer – for voice and orchestra – 4’
A classic French ballad immortalized by Yves Montand and Édith Piaf, better known in the United States as the jazz standard Autumn Leaves. This arrangement includes the introductory verse in French, and then offers the chorus once in French and once in English.
The Gathering
Laurelyn Dossett – for string band, chorus and orchestra – 24’
The North Carolina Symphony commissioned this “folk cantata” for string band, chorus and orchestra. The holiday-themed work tells the story of a traveler coming home to her family.
Read a review of the premiere.
Read a review of the premiere.
La vie en rose
Louiguy/Piaf – for voice and orchestra – 4’
Édith Piaf’s immortal love ballad, with lyrics in French and English. Available in the keys of G (low) and C (high).
Non, je ne regrette rien (No Regrets)
Dumont/Vaucaire – for voice and orchestra – 3’
One of Édith Piaf’s signature songs. Available in the keys of G (low), B-flat (medium) and D (high).
Rain-Song
Will Marion Cook – for soprano and orchestra – 4’
The North Carolina Symphony commissioned this arrangement and two others on songs by Will Marion Cook for a performance with Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
She is Far from the Land
Lambert/Moore – for voice and orchestra – 4’
An arrangement of Frank Lambert’s wistful setting of the classic Irish poem by Thomas Moore.
PDF score available upon request.
PDF score available upon request.
Swing Along!
Will Marion Cook – for soprano and orchestra – 4’
The North Carolina Symphony commissioned this arrangement and two others on songs by Will Marion Cook for a performance with Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
Wid de Moon, Moon, Moon
Will Marion Cook – for soprano and orchestra – 4’
The North Carolina Symphony commissioned this arrangement and two others on songs by Will Marion Cook for a performance with Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
Adagio cantabile from Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 (“Pathétique”)
Beethoven – for violin and guitar – 3’
Arranged for seven-string guitar, but playable on a six-string with slight modification.
Inquire for availability.
Inquire for availability.
Anything Goes
Cole Porter – for voice, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano and guitar – 3’
Commissioned by the Saratoga Chamber Players. Vibraphone can be substituted for guitar.
Call Me
Tony Hatch – for voice, flute, horn, trumpet and guitar – 5’
An artsy arrangement of the 60’s pop song made famous by Petula Clark. Requires seven-string guitar. Inquire for availability.
Dansa (Martelo) from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
Villa-Lobos – for soprano, violin and guitar – 6’
This is the lesser-known but equally charming second movement that follows the well-known Aria (Cantilena), which Villa-Lobos himself arranged for voice and guitar. Inquire for availability.
Happy Birthday
for string quartet – 1’
Arranged in honor of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and recorded by members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic as a gift to Mr. Markowitz. Inquire for availability.
"Heiliger Dankgesang" from String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132
Beethoven – for violin and guitar – 2’
An excerpt from Beethoven’s “Holy Song of Thanksgiving." Requires seven-string guitar.
Inquire for availability.
Inquire for availability.
Liebst du um Schönheit
Mahler/Rückert – for voice and guitar – 1’
Miss Otis Regrets
Cole Porter – for voice, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano and guitar – 4’
One of my favorite Porter songs - so dramatic and macabre! Commissioned by the Saratoga Chamber Players.
Night and Day
Cole Porter – for voice, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano and guitar – 4’
Commissioned by the Saratoga Chamber Players. Vibraphone can be substituted for guitar. Violinist also plays finger cymbals or triangle, and clarinetist also plays tuned beer bottle.
Nocturne from the Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Mendelssohn – for cello and guitar – 6’
Originally arranged for a Brooklyn Philharmonic event at the Brooklyn Public Library featuring music based on Shakespeare.
Selected Two-part Inventions
Bach – for guitar and acoustic bass – 13’
Transcription of the piano score, performed with Rob Jost, May 2011.
Watch video recorded at the Strathmore Mansion.
Selections from Mikrokosmos
Bartók – for guitar and electric bass – 11’
Transcription of the piano score, performed with Rob Jost, May 2011.
Watch video recorded at the Strathmore Mansion.
Sweet Child O’ Mine
Gun N’ Roses – for guitar and electric bass – 4’
What Does the Fox Say?
Ylvis – for two singers, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano and percussion – 3’
Performed as an encore to The Lost Voice, April 6, 2014 in Seattle, WA.
Watch video recorded at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.