Simple Ensemble Scores To Compress Into Piano Solo, Or Vice Versa

Hello,

I'd like to start learning the various coloristic effects available from instruments other than piano - I've been reading about orchestration/arranging, but I'd like to do some hands-on practice and taking works from established composers and arranging them, from piano solo to ensemble, or ensemble to piano solo. I think this will help me loads in exploring instrumental technique.

Problem is, I haven't got much time to go looking for scores to do this with - I work full time and try to get in a couple of hours of practice a day, leaving me only another couple of hours to eat/do chores/etc. So what I ask of you, YC, is this: Can anyone with similar experience help find me a good, relatively simple score to start out with? Whether it's ensemble to piano solo or piano solo to ensemble doesn't matter much; I'd just like to practice arranging and orchestration. If someone else has had experience doing this, any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

Start by reducing a Mozart or Beethoven symphony to piano. Ideally make it one you actually like so you have musical encouragement as you go along.