Orchestra
Orchestral Arrangements
Bobbie has been doing orchestral arrangements for many years, for such as the BBC Concert Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra among others.... and for vocalists such as Gerard Kenny, Brian Kennedy, Sir Willard White, Claire Sweeney and Hayley Westenra.
You can listen to a sample of Sir Willard White singing Solas Market below.
Bobbie was also commissioned to orchestrate for the BBC Concert Orchestra, an evening of Gilbert O'Sullivan on Radio 2 – to join with his ten-piece touring band. This took place at the Mermaid Theatre in Blackfriars under the baton of internationally acclaimed musician, Laurie Holloway.
“Carmen – The Musical” is a re-orchestrated version of the opera by Bizet, with dialogue by David Badger, and songs. It includes the most popular music from the opera, and is available for hire from Music Theatre International.
More info: click here
Michaela’s Prayer contains a mid-section that is original Bobbie, in order to keep the feel of the show less operatic. This version features Stephanie Childs.
The Flower Song has been given a different feel too, the below audio clip featuring alto saxophone played by Sam Woods and sung by Oli Brenin.
The Highway Rat’s song was commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) for a children’s concert, showing the short animation of The Highway Rat.
Bobbie has built up a library of arrangements over the years, including some printed arrangements (not Bobbie’s) which are listed on the Library page. More details are available on application; but some may have short extracts available on video or audio where you see a link.
Composing
“The Stuff of Dreams” - an original musical by Bobbie Field and David Badger staged in 1986.
Songs from the show have been played on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night among others. Below are original cast recordings.
I’M A FOOL, BUT I KNOW: click here
TOMORROW MY DAY: click here
“From Heaven to Earth” was the winner of the Premier Radio Christmas Carol Competition in 1997.
For the shepherds, it was just another night of looking after the sheep - then suddenly it all changed….
Have a listen here.
Various musical 'playlets' for school children of varying ages, s
ome just for fun, others including a life lesson…
THE TROUBLE WITH GERMS - about the importance of personal hygiene
A FISH CALLED GILLY - a fishy tale of a blue mullet in a family of red mullet, and being proud of who you are
THE CURSE OF ELVISAHMUN - some archaeologists discover a strange mummy
CARRY ON SHERLOCK - an ’alternative’ Holmes story
… among others …
Typesetting / Transposing
(or just printing!)
Bobbie works for clients including Decca/Universal, Academy of Ancient Music, Comedian/Conductor Rainer Hersch and BBC Radio 2. Sometimes this involves typesetting old manuscripts to produce parts for recording sessions or live orchestral concerts; other times various singers call on Bobbie to transpose songs which are published in a key too high or too low for their voice.
Transcribing
Sometimes where music is not physically available for orchestras to play, Bobbie will 'take-down' from a recording. This is an aural skill which comes naturally to her, and where some parts are indecipherable in the mix, she uses her arranging skills.
The Kanneh-Mason family, on checking a score notated by Bobbie from their video, said:
”This is amazing and we have all gone through it and can say that it is spot on.”