24-25 Program Book - Flipbook - Page 52
Scottish Fantasy in E-flat major for Violin
and Orchestra, Op. 46 (1880)
CONTINUED
The second movement is a scherzo built on the
folksong “The Dusty Miller.” The tune is presented
aggressively and then immediately elaborated, with
virtuosic flourishes from the soloist and exciting
interludes from the orchestra. The movement has
an impressive variety of moods and ornamented
versions of the original melody. It ends with a
surprising return of “Through the Wood Laddie” in a
sentimental transition to the third movement.
The third movement begins with a quote of “I'm
A’ Doun for Lack O’ Johnnie.” After the tune is
presented by the soloist, a set of variations ensues
with increasing range and numbers of notes. The
contrasting middle section of the movement uses the second phrase of the
folksong to expand the range of expression. The first part of the song returns,
creating a musical bookend for the movement.
The fourth movement begins with a boisterous statement of “Hey Tuttie Tatie.”
This folksong is then taken through many different harmonies and combinations
of textures, with the soloist “improvising” with increasing intensity. Eventually,
there is a calmer section followed by flashy scales and arpeggios, a brief
sentimental return to the first phrase of “Through the Wood Laddie,” and a final
boisterous refrain of “Hey Tuttie Tatie.”
Though dedicated to Sarasate, Joseph Joachim was involved in the editing of
the solo part. Bruch conducted the premiere with the Liverpool Philharmonic
Society on February 22, 1881, with Joachim as soloist. Bruch was unhappy
with Joachim’s performance, however, describing him as having “ruined” the
work. Bruch finally conducted the work with Sarasate at a Philharmonic Society
concert in St. James’s Hall on March 15, 1883. The Scottish Fantasy is a signature
piece by Bruch that is widely heard today, along with his first violin concerto and
Kol Nidrei for cello and orchestra.
52 CLASSICAL SERIES GAELIC CELEBRATION
