This piece was written during the pandemic of 2020/21. A time when solo pieces suddenly
became much more popular as public health restrictions prevented musicians from playing
together.
As a way of coping with the situation, I decide to learn, in some cases, re-learn, all of
Telemann’s 12 Fantasias for Solo Flute. The question was which would come first, my getting
through all 12, or getting the vaccine. (as I write this, it’s running neck and neck). Telemann’s
Fanatasias have three short movements, each with its own character, sometimes gorgeous,
sometimes brilliant, sometimes energetic. It seems as if he was free from some of the formulas
and rules of the time and could approach each section, and each Fantasy in a unique way. As I
played them, I thought to myself that ‘we don’t write Fantasies anymore’. So, I decided that I
would try.
Fantasy #1 is for alto flute. In some of Telemann’s Fantasias, a movement alternates between
fast and slow, two different characters. This Fantasy follows that pattern for the whole piece,
with short, slow sections that appear throughout the piece and recall the opening. The quicker
sections also share material and are more rhythmic in nature, sometimes sounding a bit teasing
and mischievous.
