05: FANTASY ON POLISH FOLK SONGS FOR VIOLIN STRING ORCHESTRA — Robert Rollin

Much like the “Allegretto” of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, this one movement piece is a theme and variations with interludes appearing periodically for contrast. The thematic core of this piece is the renowned Polish carol “Lulajze Jezuniu” (Sleep Little Jesus), a gentle pulsating lullaby. This melody was used by Chopin in the B minor Scherzo. In the Fantasy, the tune makes three appearances, The soloist and string orchestra share and switch the variety of the roles of contrasting registers, interweaving commentary, delicate plucked accompaniment, or the distant subdued reminiscence of the lullaby. The three interludes which follow are based on monophonic folk material from the mountain region of Silesia in Southern Poland. These range through a multiplicity of meters-at once gracious and florid-and then close in an ebullient joyous dance.

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