Claude-Paul Taffanel: Fantasie on themes from “Der Freischütz"
transcribed for flute and guitar by Alan Thomas

duration: 12'

Arrangement commissioned by the Cavatina Duo

Recordings: Cavatina Duo "Cavatina at the Opera" (Bridge Records)

To get the printed score/parts or download in PDF format, please go to my Gumroad shop page

Programme Note

Claude-Paul Taffanel (1844-1908) was arguably the foremost flautist of his time, having built a substantial career in Paris as both soloist and orchestral player. His Fantasie on themes from “Der Freischütz" is based on an imaginative paraphrase of Carl Maria von Weber’s extremely popular opera. In this intelligent and well-constructed homage to Weber’s lovely and stirring music, the variations seem to grow naturally from the melodies rather than being superimposed as a virtuosic afterthought, demonstrating the operatic fantasy genre at its best. Originally for flute and piano, I have here transcribed the piano part for the guitar, with no additional material or changes.