502F4B2F-21D0-4F77-982B-CA07763B9B80

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ID502F4B2F-21D0-4F77-982B-CA07763B9B80
TitlecodeR00243
Title NameFantasy Variations for Orchestra
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Instrumentation3(1d Piccolo).2+English Horn.2+Bass Clarinet.2+ContraBassoon: 4.3.3.1: Timpani.Percussion(2+1 optional).Harp: Strings
CommissionCommissioned by the Koussevitsky Foundation at the Library of Congress
Dedication
Program NotesFantasy Variations was written on commission from the Serge Koussevitsky Music Foundation. The first draft was completed in September 1984. Work was then interrupted to compose Thoreau Fantasy No. 2 , commissioned and recently premiered by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. Work on revisions, orchestration, and the full score of Fantasy Variations was then resumed and was completed in August 1985.

My intent was to write a serious symphonic work that deals with specifically musical (i.e. abstract) ideas in a fairly rigorous way, with out indulging in coloristic or "atmospheric" effects. While a "theme" is actually stated, that section itself is but one instance of a concept of harmonic association which is at the basis of the work. The variations concern themselves not so much with the theme as with properties of harmony inherent in its structure.

The first large segment of the work consists of the Introduction (drammatico), Theme (Expansively), and Variation I (con anima), which features woodwind choirs counterpointing rhapsodic string lines. Var. II (rhythms and accented) is essentially canonic in texture and is linked to Var. III (flowing and evenly), which is based on a constantly arpeggiated harmony. Var. IV (lightly and spirited) is dance-like in its rhythm and repetitions, if not in its texture; it lead directly into Var. V for muted strings alone. Next is Var. II (playful but expressive) which is chamber music-like, featuring solo winds and strings. After Var. VII (a bold maestoso), a link recalling the introduction leads to the Finale. The Finale develops and extends the earlier theme and closes with a dramatic coda. --Brian Fennelly
Title Brand2
Year Composed1985
Copyright Number
Copyright Year
Duration25
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Date Created2008-10-31 00:00:00.000000
Date Updated2023-06-25 05:37:52
Inhouse Note
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Text Author
Premier Performance Memo-World Premiere, The Louisville Orchestra/ Leighton Smith. 17, 18, 19 Apr 86.
Recording CreditsRecorded by Louisville Orchestra, Lawrence Leighton Smith, First Edition Series LCD003
Review(not set)
AwardsFirst Prize in the 1986 Louisville Orchestra New Music Competition (Robert S. Whitney Prize)
Title Category-1
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Title Instrument Category TextUndefined
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Clean Urlfantasy-variations-for-orchestra-r00243