Fantasy in D is a musical composition that embraces the spirit of a fantasy — characterized by its free form and an improvisational style. Tracing its roots to early 16th-century fantasias, this piece evolves the concept by involving short sections driven by one or more musical motifs. True to the fantasy tradition, it uniquely integrates orchestral improvisation. Performers are provided with collections of notes or instructions, and are encouraged to improvise within these guidelines for set durations.
Pages from the score
The structure of Fantasy in D is a blend of improvisation and fully notated music. While certain sections are strictly composed, others offer musicians the freedom to explore. A recurring element is a three-note motif, especially pronounced at the piece’s climax. The composition is divided into two primary sections, with the second being an inversion of the first (b+a instead of a+b). This overarching structure is further broken down into 64 smaller sections, following a hierarchical breakdown (2-4-8-16-32), each triggering unique events, textures, chord changes, and instrumentations.
Score Draft laying out the Golden Ratio
The timing of each section is guided by the “Golden ratio“, φ (phi) or 1.6180339887498948482…, celebrated for its prevalence in natural patterns and lending an organic quality to the piece. While the tonal center is D, the piece navigates through various modes and tonalities including D, A, B, G, major and minor, creating a sound that is D-centric yet modally diverse, so it is really in D (ish).
Fantasy in D
The mood of “Fantasy in D” is tinged with somber and melancholic undertones, influenced by personal life events during its creation, including the passing of my father and my mother’s battle with pancreatic cancer. This piece, premièring on May 21st, 2016, by the SFCCO is a reflection of these emotional landscapes, woven into its musical fabric.
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