COMPOSER: Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Performed on April 26th, 2023 at Encinitas Library
Schubert’s Fantasie in F minor, D. 940, composed in 1828, is one of his greatest works for piano four hands. Written in the final year of his life, it is a deeply expressive and dramatic piece, blending lyrical beauty with haunting intensity.
The piece opens with a poignant, melancholic theme that recurs throughout, giving the work a sense of unity and longing. The second section introduces a lively, dance-like theme, followed by a deeply expressive, almost hymn-like passage. The music develops with rich harmonic colors and intricate interplay between the two pianists, culminating in a powerful fugue before returning to the sorrowful opening theme.
This Fantasie is often regarded as one of Schubert’s most profound piano compositions, embodying his signature mix of lyricism, drama, and longing, making it a favorite in the four-hand repertoire.