Fantasias for Strings Part I: Nos 1-7 (Full Score)

Purcell Fantasias for Strings Part I: Nos 1-7 (Full Score)
Part I: Three Part Fantasias (Violin, Viola, Cello) and Four Part Fantasias (2 Violins, Viola, Cello)

The present Fantasias have a particular place in Purcell’s complete works, since they are almost the only work in which the master used the traditional consort of viols for which so many of the most beautiful instrumental pieces by English composers were written.

Written in 1680 one must regard these Fantasias as early works – Purcell wrote them at 22 years of age – owing to the strictness of the contrapuntal work and the result of the progression of parts which is not afraid of harmonic boldness, they appeal to us today as more modern than many other works of the master. 

And even if their most intimate charm can only be brought out by a consort of viols, yet they certainly signify also for the customary string ensemble of today a desirable enrichment of chamber music of high musical worth and not technically challenging.

- Score & parts (NMA58) available for sale