Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1920

Average_duration

:

14:06

Arnold Bax's 'Phantasy in D minor' is a chamber work for viola and piano, composed in 1917. It was premiered on 17th December 1918, at the Aeolian Hall in London, by the violist Lionel Tertis and pianist William Murdoch. The piece is divided into three movements, with a total duration of approximately 14 minutes. The first movement, marked 'Moderato', begins with a melancholic and introspective viola melody, accompanied by a simple piano accompaniment. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the viola and piano engaging in a dialogue, before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The second movement, marked 'Vivace', is a lively and energetic scherzo, with a playful and rhythmic piano accompaniment. The viola takes on a more virtuosic role, with fast and intricate passages, before the music slows down towards the end of the movement. The final movement, marked 'Molto espressivo', is the longest and most complex of the three. It begins with a mournful and lyrical viola melody, accompanied by a rich and harmonically complex piano accompaniment. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the viola and piano engaging in a passionate and dramatic dialogue. The movement reaches a climax with a powerful and emotional viola solo, before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. Overall, Bax's 'Phantasy in D minor' is a highly expressive and emotionally charged work, showcasing the composer's skill in writing for the viola. The piece is characterized by its rich and complex harmonies, lyrical melodies, and virtuosic passages for the viola. It remains a popular work in the viola repertoire, and is often performed in recitals and competitions.

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