Fantasies No. 2

Description

The Fantasies No. 2 “Raintree Island” was composed in 1979 and presented as a Chanukah Gift to Jeannie West-Osmon. The original title included the phrase “Beyond the Rainbow”. In the October 1989 rescoring of the work the title was shortened and the dedication changed to “for B. C. in memorial”. B. C. was short for Bad Cat. “Raintree Island” was a manmade island where the composer lived in upstate New York in the summer of 1975. The music reflects the mood of the composer’s environment during that period of his life.

This work, like many of the early chamber works of Leroy Osmon, was composed for the Texas U.I.L. Solo & Ensemble competition and was first performed under the category called “Experimental Ensemble”. In present day it would not be considered ‘experimental’. It offer contemporary musical concepts that are accessible to young musicians, however, the music would not be out of place with a mature or professional ensemble. A strong influence of Charles Ives can be heard in this, as in many of Osmon’s early works.

Instrumentation: 3 Flutes, Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bassoon, Bb Trumpet, 2 horns in F, Trombone & 3 Percussion

Published by: RBC Publications