Fantasia on a Theme of Robert Schumann (Chamber Winds)
Fantasia on a Theme of Robert Schumann (Chamber Winds)
Grade 4
Fantasia on a Theme of Robert Schumann is a lyrical exploration of harmonies, motives, and melodies from Robert Schumann’s art song Nachtlied (Op. 96 No. 1).
Pricing
Printed Score Only: $35
Printed Score + Printed Parts: $169.99
Printed Score + Digital PDF Parts: $169.99
Details
Grade 4 – Small Wind Ensemble (Chamber Winds)
Year of Composition: 2024
Length: 9:00
Instrumentation
2 Flutes
1 Oboe*
2 Bassoons**
2 Clarinets in Bb
1 Bass Clarinet in Bb
2 Alto Saxophones in Eb
1 Tenor Saxophone in Bb
1 Baritone Saxophone in Eb
1 Trumpet in Bb
2 Horns in F
2 Trombones
1 Euphonium
1 Tuba
1 Double Bass
Percussion 1: Vibraphone, Snare Drum
Percussion 2: Crystal Glass (G***), Bass Drum (shared w/perc. 3), Crotales (single A), Triangle
Percussion 3: Glockenspiel, Bass Drum (shared w/ perc. 2), Suspended Cymbal
Note: This work is scored for 23 players, as outlined above. Parts should not be doubled.
*An alternate oboe part (for Bb clarinet) is provided so the work can be performed without oboe if necessary. However, using oboe is preferred and highly encouraged.
**Cross cueing is provided for bassoon parts so the work can be performed without bassoons if necessary. However, using bassoons is preferred and highly encouraged. Not all bassoon lines are cued. Some lines are doubled in other instruments and therefore additional cueing/coverage is not needed.
***The Crystal Glass is notated as a G on top of the treble clef. This pitch or the G one octave higher are both acceptable.
Program Note
The German composer Robert Schumann (1810-1856) is one of several composers who wrote a musical setting of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s brilliant poem, “Wandrers Nachtlied” (Wanderer’s Night Song). Schumann’s beautifully deep and mysterious setting (Op. 96, No. 1) captivated me years ago when I first heard it and it inspired much of “Lullaby” from my song cycle Alcott Songs.
In early 2024, I had the idea to create a fantasia based on this art song, in keeping with the tradition of composers who write rhapsodic works on an earlier work that inspires them. (Two of my favorites are Vaughn William’s Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis, and Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.)
The brilliance of Goethe’s poem about night (see a translation below) is matched by stunning, beautiful music by Schumann. Packed within a three-minute art song, Schumann creates a whole world for the listener to experience — one that is utterly peaceful and yet, solemn.
The poem’s night theme likely has a dual meaning (death) that Schumann explores through chorale-like textures and moments of harmonic rest and unrest. While Schumann begins this art song with gentle, tranquil music and leads to more unsettled moments near the end, my Fantasia does the opposite; I begin with Schumann’s most unsettled and surprising chord and over the course of the work, lead to the most serene music at the end. My work concludes with an orchestrated setting of Schumann’s art song in its entirety.
A fantasia is often a quasi-improvisatory piece that forgoes a more rigid form in favor of a through-composed structure. Such is the case in this piece, where small motives, harmonies, and melodies from Schumann’s art song form the basis for sections and are developed and expanded.
Consortium Members
Arkansas State University, Nicholas Balla
Arris Golden
Athens Drive High School (NC), Jerry Markoch
Bloomington High School (IL), Max E. Chernick
Butler University, Trae Blanco
Christopher Newport University, Mark P. Johnson
Clemson University, Mark Spede
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Benjamin Gerrard
Eastman School of Music, Mark D. Scatterday
Indiana Wind Symphony, Jay Gephart (On behalf of Charles Conrad)
Mary D. Bradford High School (WI), Karl C. Mueller
Metropolitan State University of Denver, David Kish
Monmouth College, Justin Swearinger
Nazareth University, Jared Chase
Nebraska Wesleyan University, Josh Roach
The Ohio State University, Scott A. Jones
Purdue University, David Blon
Roxbury High School (NJ), Jeffrey Conrad
Sam Houston State University, Matthew McInturf
Texas Christian University, Bobby R. Francis
The United States Air Force Academy Band, Captain Michael Flynn
University of Arizona, Chad R. Nicholson
University of Central Arkansas, Michael Hancock
University of Central Florida, Tremon Kizer
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Kevin M. Holtzman
University of Mississippi, Tim Oliver
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Dominic Talanca
University of South Alabama, Robert D. Abend
University of Tennessee Martin, John Oelrich
University of West Georgia, Josh Byrd
Grade 4
This work, scored for wind band and narrator, reflects on the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. The piece blends elements of a funeral march and a lament, and near the end of the piece a moving poem is read over the music by a narrator. (This work is also available for orchestra here)