Fantasia on a Medieval Tune is a set of variations on the French secular song “L’homme arme” from the Late Middle Ages. The song was a popular choice of cantus firmus for many Renaissance composers, and was often used in settings of the Mass, including by prominent composers such as Guillaume Dufay or Johannes Ockeghem.
The melody takes on several forms, first stated as a jubilant fanfare, before moving into a Renaissance-inspired dance, with several metrical and harmonic interruptions. Next it transforms into a musical prayer, lead by a solo trumpet, before being passed around the ensemble. Finally, it is transformed into a traditional Brazilian batucada samba, reminiscent of the Carnaval street parades, complete with a full bateria in the percussion.
Performed by the Central Memorial High School PVA Wind Ensemble, conducted by Adam Mailman, Calgary, AB.
Just as the human heart never stops beating, this work harnesses that same kinetic energy, traversing an array of colours and timbres overtop an unrelenting sixteenth-note groove.
Premiered at the "Night of the Living Composers" Concert as part of the 2025 Composer's Sandbox, in conjunction with the Society for New Music.
Performed by:
Kelly Covert, flute/piccolo
Diego Vásquez, clarinet/bass clarinet
Juliana Gray, violin
Svetlana Garitselova, cello
Sar Strong, piano
AJ Rodriguez, percussion
Anton Lindenblatt, conductor
