Arrangements
Schubert Arpeggione for Cello (or any other instrument!) and String Quartet
What is so wonderful about this piece and the arrangement is that the string quartet parts can be paired with any instrument! Hey violists, looking at you! Brass players are also welcome. I’ve played this sonata both with piano and with orchestra, and there was something I loved about the support of the strings with the orchestra, but it also felt a little too big. So. Here we find ourselves happily in the middle with the lushness of strings, but in the intimate setting of chamber music.
Rococo Variations for Cello and String Quartet
A staple of the cello repertoire in a more satisfying arrangement than piano reduction, and more easily accessible than an orchestra.
Danse Macabre for Violin and Cello
Life-long members of Duo Parnas, my sister Madalyn and I have played most of the pieces written for our little ensemble and are always looking for ways to spice up our programming. When I rediscovered Danse Macabre as arrangement material, I knew this was just what we were looking for! It’s one of those pieces that is undeniably fabulous. It’s fun to play and fun to listen to, and it was so fun to adapt for two voices. I had to get creative with finding ways to play two lines at once, add some virtuosic yet idiomatic ornamentation, as well as create an exciting ending (the original ends quietly). Just over seven minutes long, it is a wonderful addition to the repertoire in its programmability and musical substance, and is also a great alternative to the traditional Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia.
Bach Concerto for Two Violins Arranged for Violin and Cello - Now for Violin and Viola as well!
My sister and Duo Parnas partner, violinist Madalyn Parnas-Möller, and I have been playing together since we started on 16th-size instruments. I have so many memories of her playing this piece with her teachers growing up, and I thought it was about time we played it together. It’s a wonderful piece of music, and incredibly fun to play.
Nine Arias for Cello and Piano
A collection of nine beloved arias, reimagined for cello, in collaboration with Brooklyn Classical. It includes favorites by Puccini, Bizet, and Vivaldi, an original cadenza in Donizetti’s Una furtiva lagrima, a duet for two cellos in Delibes’ Flower Duet, and cellistic embellishments in Mozart’s Queen of the Night.
Bach Suite No.1 for Three Cellos
“I’ve had this idea to arrange the first Bach Suite for three cellos for years, but I never can find the time to do it. If you arrange it, I’ll record it and put it on Brooklyn Classical.” This was the pitch I received from Patrick Laird, my Break of Reality bandmate and good friend (he also is an incredible composer, member of Brooklyn Duo, and owner of Brooklyn Classical). It sounded interesting and fun to me, so I said yes. I had no idea how much I would learn and appreciate about Bach’s music, how intimidating the entire process of writing, playing, recording, and releasing it was, or how controversial it would be. I got schooled by this project! And it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. Huge thank you to Patrick and Christine Lamprea, our phenomenal third musketeer and dear friend.
Kabalevsky Concerto in G minor, Largo
Coming soon!
Kol Nidrei
Coming soon!