One of the earliest of Sparke's fantastic works for euphonium, the "Fantasy" features lyrical and technical passages including some triple tonguing. The work alternates an atmospheric recitative with a driving allegro section. It has quickly become a standard in the repertoire.
An atmospheric 'Lento' sets the scene for a folk-like theme from the soloist with an almost Scottish feel, which is freely played over a drone. This leads to an 'Allegro giusto,' still based on the opening motif of a minor 3rd which unifies the whole piece. The material is neo-classical initially until a freewheeling and fragmentary second subject appears. A slow middle section follows requiring warm expressive playing, before a recapitulation of the 'recit' and the 'Allegro giusto' bring this fine miniature to a close. |
