Phantasietanz, or Fantasy Dance opus 124 in E minor is a joyous and magical sounding piano piece composed by Robert Schumann, written during the Romantic era.
The light and whimsical first section is followed by a more traditionally Romantic development of ideas, full of lyrical cantabile melodies and rich harmonic progressions, before returning to the flighty first theme, and then yet again to the Romantic lyricism of the second theme.
The overall capricious nature of this piece brings to mind fairies and woodland nymphs of 19th century fairy paintings. Perhaps Schumann was influenced by the mythological and fantasy art of his time.
I recorded this video in August 2016.
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Here is another one of my modal improvisations that blends contemporary and Romantic influence:
Here is another improvisation of mine incorporating Romantic phrasing and texture with modal harmonies: Orbit – Improvisation in F Aeolian, D♭ Lydian and A♭ Ionian
You may also like my recording of Schumann Romance No 1, or Romance No. 2.
