Concerts on the 15th (19.30) and 16th (16.00) of March
A History with a Viola and Piano Perspective • Fantasias for Viola & Piano
The Fantasie (or Fantasy, Fantasia) has been a prominent form in Western classical music for centuries, characterized by its free, improvisatory nature. Unlike strict formal structures such as the sonata or fugue, the Fantasie allows composers to explore spontaneity, expressive depth, and structural fluidity.
Origins and Development
The roots of the Fantasie can be traced back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, where it often appeared as a keyboard work inspired by improvisation. Composers like Sweelinck and Froberger crafted fantasias as free-flowing counterparts to stricter contrapuntal forms like fugues. In the Classical period, the Fantasie evolved into a more structured yet still expressive form, as seen in works like Mozart’s Fantasie in D minor, K. 397.
The Romantic era saw a flourishing of the Fantasie, as composers embraced its emotional and expressive possibilities. Franz Schubert’s Wanderer-Fantasie and Robert Schumann’s Fantasiestücke are prime examples of this evolution, blending dramatic contrasts with lyrical passages.
The Viola in the Fantasie Tradition
While the viola was often overshadowed by the violin and cello in solo repertoire, the Fantasie provided a perfect platform for showcasing its unique, voice. Many composers were drawn to the viola’s expressive capabilities, creating works where it could shine in a highly personal, almost speech-like manner.
For 35 years I have shared a deep musical bond with Pianist Caecilia Boschman. Since our studies in Rotterdam, we have formed a close duo, always searching for new discoveries and forgotten gems in the music world. Our passion for unknown and underrated repertoire has brought us together on countless stages and resulted in three CD recordings under the name Voila Viola!
With the release of our third CD, we founded our own record label: Dutch Disc, a platform dedicated to unique and rediscovered music, available at DutchDisc.com.
In our new program, we introduce the audience to the fantasy form, a composition style that centers on freedom, spontaneity, and expression. This form has inspired composers throughout the centuries, and strikingly often, the viola takes the lead role.
Concerts on the 15th and 16th of March 2025 Trinitatiskapel in Dordrecht
• Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), British composer who wrote a short Fantasy on the famous theme of Greensleeves.
• York Bowen (1884–1961), a British composer and pianist, wrote his Fantasy for Viola and Piano (1918), a work full of sweeping melodies and rich harmonies, highlighting the viola’s lyrical qualities.
• Huw Watkins (b. 1976) continued this tradition with his modern Fantasy for Viola and Piano, which explores contemporary harmonic language while maintaining the spirit of the form.
• Robert Schumann (1810–1856) composed Fantasiestücke, Op. 73, originally for clarinet and piano, but often performed on viola. These pieces exemplify Romantic expressiveness and intimate musical dialogue.
• Ernst Naumann (1832–1910), a lesser-known German composer, contributed his own Fantasiestücke for viola and piano, capturing the elegance and depth of late Romanticism.
• Alongside works by York Bowen, Huw Watkins, Robert Schumann, and Ernst Naumann, we are delighted to present Fantasy for Viola and Piano by Nataliya Medvedovskaya. A composer and pianist of remarkable sensitivity, Medvedovskaya brings a fresh perspective to the Fantasie tradition, blending rich harmonies, lyrical depth, and virtuosic dialogue between viola and piano. We are especially grateful to her for sharing her music with us, and we look forward to bringing her work to life on stage.
The Enduring Appeal of the Fantasie
The Fantasie remains a beloved form for both composers and performers due to its artistic freedom and emotional depth. For violists, it offers an opportunity to step into the spotlight with expressive, improvisatory phrasing, making the instrument sing in a way few other forms allow. Whether in Romantic gems or modern reinterpretations, the Fantasie continues to captivate audiences, bringing spontaneity and imagination to the concert stage.