This page is for chamber and full orchestra scores. For string orchestra music, see Strings page.
In December, 2010, I premiered two new works for orchestra to a mid-concert standing ovation. Even the musicians were shaking my hands afterward telling me how much they enjoyed it. I’ve had similar experiences with big band holiday arrangements. I gather from musician colleagues that there is a dearth of interesting works for holiday concerts (how many Sleigh Rides can one hear?) so I feel like I’ve stumbled into a niche. Bottom line: I’ve never had so much fun writing as I did making these arrangements and I want to continue so I’m really glad you are here to peruse my orchestra writing.
[Unless otherwise noted, music is printed on 8.5 x 11 unbound plain paper]
The Spirit of Christmas - $150 score/parts rental
(Rental, bound score and saddle stapled parts)
Semi-finalist in the American Prize for Orchestral Composition
Evokes the seasonal emotions many of us experience on the annual journey from late Fall through Christmas day with parallels to the symbols associated with candles on the advent wreath. Musically, it integrates traditional chamber orchestra (no low brass or percussion) with the improvised stylings of a jazz trio (piano, bass and drum set) in a quasi concerto format. Includes optional cadenzas for trumpet and cello.
5 sections – 22 minutes total (Sections can also be performed individually.)
Chamber Orchestra or larger:
2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons, 2 French Horns, 2 Trumpets, Violins I, II, Violas, Cellos, Contrabasses; Optional: Jazz Trio – Piano, Bass and Drum Set
1. Fall Mood 4:53
Changing leaves, pumpkins and gourds illuminated by golden slanting light set the scene. Though nature is winding down, for many it’s an optimistic new beginning. Late autumn brings a whiff of colder air hinting towards winter.
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2. Advent 5:00
This reworking of the 12th century Advent hymn, O Come Emmanuel, connects us with the long history of this time of waiting by referencing medieval church bell towers, solemn drums and ancient harmonies before moving into a more contemporary interpretation.
I wanted to let you know that your piece [Advent] was enthusiastically received by the orchestra, audience, and the chorus. It was a true pleasure to conduct it. – Michael D. Poulos, Chicago Bar Association Orchestra
I had the pleasure of hearing the piece played twice… I am not musically trained and so cannot really tell you exactly why the arrangement was so moving, but for me it was the highlight of both concerts. – Rebecca Burlingham, Co-Chair, CBA Chorus
3. Traditions 3:20
The excitement of preparing for the holidays is reflected in the fiddle-like strains of the string section. Woodwinds and brass follow with passing wisps of favorite hymns and carols. As the deadline draws nearer, our happy anticipation becomes a bit tarnished by the frenetic pace.
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4. Serenity 6:15
A solo cello announces that, ready or not, Christmas Eve has arrived. Our hearts are again filled with peace and wonder on this Silent Night. A triple cadenza hints at tomorrows excitement.
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5. Celebration 2:53
Christmas Day unreservedly gifts us with the joy and majesty of the season so that even Herald Angels Sing.
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Comments:
The whole work is quite lovely. Happy we get to perform it!! - S.B (1st cello)
The orchestra really enjoyed your presence and playing tonight. I could see it on their faces. Thank you for giving my folks an enjoyable evening! – K.M. (Personnel Manager)
You’ve got a winner! One of my “piano ladies” and I attended your concert today at Otterbein. Your composition was original, approachable, tuneful, loved the chords, varied, told your story and was great fun! You should be very proud. - C.C. (listener)
Good Wassail - $50 for score and partsA blending of Good Christian Men Rejoice and Here We Come a Wassailing begins with a quiet choir feature that moves into an Afro Pop groove with an optional steel drum part (can also be performed on keyboard). A medium swing section follows before the big double time ending. Could also be performed as an instrumental with minor adjustments. (6:33 minutes)
Symphony Orchestra and optional Choir:
2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons, 4 French Horns, 3 Trumpets, Violins I, II, Violas, Cellos, Contrabasses, Percussion, Piano, Amplified Bass, Drum Set, SATB Voices
“These arrangements by Bradley have classic and jazz elements and were originally written for chorus and jazz band. He quickly rearranged them for orchestra (quickly means within days!). They were a phenomenal hit and we are still getting responses weeks later.” – Warren W. Hyer, Central Ohio Symphony Executive Director
Fum Bells - $50 for score and parts
A medley of Carol of the Bells and Fum, Fum, Fum with a jazz waltz style that evolves into blues, reggae and even klezmer feels! Features solos for piano (improvised) and clarinet (written) and a distinctive written bass line for bass clarinet. Could also be performed as an instrumental with minor adjustments. (6:39 minutes)
Symphony Orchestra and optional Choir:
2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 1 Clarinet in Bb, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 4 French Horns, 3 Trumpets, Violins I, II, Violas, Cellos, Contrabasses, Percussion, Piano, Amplified Bass, Drum Set, SATB Voices
The Delaware Gazette-
As one might expect, the program was made up of arrangements of a judicious selection of the familiar as well as an occasional novelty, such as Bradley Sowash’s “Fum Bells” and “GoodWassail” in a premier performance with Capriccio! Jazz Choir, and the symphony all conducted by the estimable Larry Griffin. Sowash took as his starting place the “Carol of the Bells (in Fum Bells) and “Here we go a wassailing”(“ Good Wassail”) and drew out a rich, big band sound augmented by the Capriccio choir. The result was an impressive arrangement of some old favorites. This was a splendid concert with a winning mix of new and old. If this and the snow don’t put you in the Christmas spirit, I don’t know what will. – Lyman Leathers Customer Comments:
It was a pleasure working with you and I look forward in doing it again very soon.
- Larry Griffin, Capriccio! Vocal Ensemble director
Oh, Holy Night - $50 for score and parts
Variety is the name of the game with this one. The intro establishes “the stars are brightly shining” with a lengthy reference to Gustav Holst’s The Planets that moves into jazz-rock, cool jazz and gospel grooves. A hard swinging 12/8 shuffle sets the backdrop for a showstopper trombone solo. (Length: 7:09)
Standard Symphony Orchestra:
2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 1 Clarinet in Bb, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 4 French Horns, 3 Trumpets, Violins I, II, Violas, Cellos, Contrabasses, Percussion plus Piano, Amplified Bass, Drum Set
View Score and Audio Sample (computer generated) or live concert below:
Review:
“O’ Holy Night” worked itself up to be the dynamic high point of the afternoon in which the strings took up the theme against a brass obligato, with a trombone solo for good measure. – Lyman Leathers, Delaware Gazette Music Critic
What Child Is This?- $50 for score and parts
A hushed classical string opening intro evolves into a bright Latin groove reminiscent of the Tijuana Brass. (5:05)
Standard Symphony Orchestra:
2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 1 Clarinet in Bb, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 4 French Horns, 3 Trumpets, Violins I, II, Violas, Cellos, Contrabasses, Percussion plus Piano, Amplified Bass, Drum Set
View Score and Audio Sample (computer generated) or live concert below:
Best Holiday timp parts I might have ever seen! – W. H. (percussionist)For string orchestra music, see Strings page
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