Classical Music | Piano Music

Ludwig van Beethoven

Fantasy, Op. 77  Play

Pavel Gintov Piano

Recorded on 03/13/2013, uploaded on 08/22/2013

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Composed in 1809, contemporaneous with the Sixth Symphony and the Piano Concerto no. 5, Fantasy op. 77 is one of Beethoven's most intriguing works. Written in the form of free improvisation, this piece illustrates the composer's search for a musical idea. One idea follows another, sometimes with drastic interruptions. The Fantasy passes through eight key areas, three changes of meter and numerous tempo changes. At the same time this work reflects the emotions of the composer in the process of this search: self-doubts when he is trying different ideas, despair after he rejects them and, finally, endless joy of creation. Thus, this piece can be seen as Beethoven's self-portrait during the composition process.      Pavel Gintov