Leonovich - Fantasia On Themes from Dvořák's Opera Rusalka for Cello and Piano

Yuriy Leonovich’s Rusalka Fantasia is an audience favorite and, after Doina, has become one of his most performed works. The piece has also been recorded by Brian Thornton. Based on Dvořák’s opera Rusalka, the fantasia reimagines some of the opera’s most memorable musical moments for cello and piano.

The original Fantasie on Rusalka, written when the composer was in his teens, was later discarded and completely rewritten. The present version was composed after hearing the Cleveland Orchestra’s semi-staged performance of the opera. Dvořák’s motives for characters and scenes are tightly connected throughout Rusalka, and Leonovich preserves this motivic relationship in the fantasia. Rusalka’s famous “Song to the Moon” opens with music representing water before the cello sings the aria’s longing melody. The final scene is based on the Polonaise, where Rusalka’s motive appears in a brighter, dance-like form before the piece moves toward a virtuosic ending.

This work is suitable for early advanced cellists and works well as a recital piece, competition selection, or dramatic concert work. It is especially effective for performers who enjoy operatic fantasy writing, lyrical playing, character transformation, and brilliant endings.

ASTA level: 4