Servais - Fantaisie pour Violoncelle (sur La Muette de Portici) (Urtext Edition)

Fantaisie pour Violoncelle was likely composed for his young student Henri Possoz (1827–97). The first known performance by Possoz of the Fantaisie happened on 4 September 1837. This work is arguably the easiest work Servais composed, around the level of Suzuki Cello Method Books 4 and 5.

While the themes of the Fantaisie are not identified by

Fantaisie pour Violoncelle was likely composed for his young student Henri Possoz (1827–97). The first known performance by Possoz of the Fantaisie happened on 4 September 1837. This work is arguably the easiest work Servais composed, around the level of Suzuki Cello Method Books 4 and 5.

While the themes of the Fantaisie are not identified by Servais, the work is based on Auber’s opera La Muette de Portici. The majority of the Fantaisie comes from the opening sequence from Act I. The opening tutti uses the material of the Act I introduction. The cello entrance is based on Elvire’s aria “A celui que j’aimais” from Act I. The theme and one variation come from the following part of the aria, “O moment enchanteur.” The slow section is based on Masaniello’s Cavatine from Act IV, “Du pauvre seul ami fidèle.” The finale brings the music back to Act I, the Air de Ballet.

Our edition is based on the manuscript in the hand of Ulysse Claes (MS 45.114) housed at the Brussels Conservatory Library.