Bach wrote a melody that just keeps unfolding. That flowing line from Sleepers Awake has been in my head for years. I finally sat down and arranged the whole thing for full orchestra.
It's out now. Here's the demo so you can hear it:
The piece runs about three and a half minutes and sits at Grade 4, medium-advanced. The thing I want to be clear about is the tune. This is Bach's famous flowing countermelody from the cantata, not the hymn most people picture. I kept that line front and center and built the orchestra around it. The goal was to stay true to Bach while making the arrangement my own.
Vicente Avella, a composer and orchestrator on Family Guy and American Dad and faculty at Berklee, said it better than I can: "This is stunning. So creative. You're being so respectful and true to Bach's music, yet taking it somewhere else and making it your own."
You can hear the full demo, see the score, and order on the product page:
https://www.mattrileymusic.com/sleepers-awake
It comes in three editions, from a PDF score and parts to a professionally printed set shipped to your door, with source files available if you want them. Maestro subscribers get their discount automatically.
A note on what's coming. I've already had a couple of requests for a version with solo violin and cello, and I'm working on a string orchestra arrangement. More small-ensemble versions are on the way, which would be great for weddings. If there's a setup you'd want, leave a comment or send me a note. It helps me decide what to write next.