Melvin produces arrangements that are performed by ensembles worldwide, spanning from operas to Disney classics. His expertise lies particularly in crafting opera reductions, supported by a PhD in this field. Additionally, he excels as an engraver/copyist, ensuring clarity and practicality in both his scores and parts. Notably, he recently digitised and engraved Phillip Hagemann’s Roman Fever for Pegasus Opera’s production. He also adeptly transcribes from digital sources like MIDI. For enquiries regarding perusal scores or custom arrangement, orchestration, transcription, or typesetting requests, please feel free to reach out.
“...and the arrangement by Melvin Tay is delicious in its attention to the small details.”
Reduced Arrangements
Puccini La bohème : 65-minutes version for 4 singers (Mimì, Musetta, Rodolfo, Marcello)
13 parts: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, bass, piano, percussion
Premiered by Musicians’ Initiative in Singapore November 2021 - watch here.
Poulenc La voix humaine
13 parts: flute (doubling piccolo), oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, harp, percussion (timpani, suspended cymbal, xylophone, tambourine), violin 1, violin 2 viola, cello, bass (min. str size: 4.4.2.2.1)
Premiered by Pegasus Opera in London April 2024. Permission obtained by company from rights holder for these specific run of performances in the UK.
Lehár The Merry Widow : reimagined (inspired by the Jazz Age) for small ensemble, solo voices and chorus
8 players: flute (doubling piccolo), clarinet (doubling saxophone), trumpet, piano, violin, viola, cello, bass
Premiered by OperaViva in Liverpool April 2023. Australian Premiere by National Opera Canberra August 2024.
Disney ArrangemEnts
…made possible by ArrangeMe
Disneyland Main Street Electrical Parade
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - bgtr - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1)
Mulan Suite from Mulan
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1)
The Incredibles Incredits
Instrumentation: 1.1.1(asx).1 - 1.1.1.0 - bgtr - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1)
Cinderella A Dream is what your heart makes
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice
Beauty and the Beast Belle
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice - solo low voice
Beauty and the Beast Something There
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 0.0.0.0 - hp - pno - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice - solo low voice
Beauty and the Beast Beauty and the Beast
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.0.0.0 - hp - pno - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice - solo low voice
Little Mermaid Part of Your World
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - 1P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice
Little Mermaid Under the Sea
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - bgtr - 1P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo low voice
Jungle Book The Bare Necessities
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - 1P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo low voice
Lion King Circle of Life
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1)
Lion King Can you feel the Love tonight
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1)
Lion King I just can’t wait to be King
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - bgtr - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1)
Mickey Mouse Club Mickey Mouse March
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - opt voice(s)
Aladdin A Whole New World
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - bgtr - 1P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice - solo low voice
Pocahontas Colors of the Wind
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice
Pocahontas Just Around the Riverbend
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice
Coco Un Poco Loco
Instrumentation: hp - 2P - str (min 1.1.1.1.1) - solo low voice
Coco Remember Me (Lullaby)
Instrumentation: hp - 1P - str (min 1.1.1.1.1) - solo low voice
Frozen Do you want to build a snowman?
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice
Frozen Let it go
Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - hp - pno - bgtr (opt.) - 2P - str (min. 1.1.1.1.1) - solo high voice