Fantasia in D Minor

A sequence of contrasting scenes

This Fantasia moves between sections with contrasting tempos and characters. The opening Andante unfolds in broken chords; the Adagio introduces a more vocal line, and sudden Presto passages interrupt its world. Start by finding a convincing pulse for each character rather than imposing one tempo on the whole piece.

Make the changes speak

Practise the joins between sections as carefully as the fast runs. Count the rests before deciding how much space to give them, and listen to the bass beneath the opening arpeggios. Editor Ullrich Scheideler identifies the familiar ending as a probable later addition. When comparing performances, check which ending you are hearing. Within the version you play, aim for an ending that follows naturally from the preceding phrase rather than sounding like a separate exercise.

Music in this edition

1. Fantasia in D Minor