In 1965 Arnold was commissioned by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to write five solo wind fantasies for the Birmingham International Wind Competition, to be held at the city's Town Hall in May 1966. Arnold had written many pieces in the free fantasy form as a student, and wrote the five new fantasies (for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn) in quick succession. Aurelian Octav Popa was the winner in the clarinet division of that 1966 competition, and is credited as having premiered the fantasy (although several competitors were to play each work, the first performance was formally credited to the winner in each category).

The brief Fantasy, taking but four minutes to perform, is nonetheless filled with technical challenges for the clarinetist, from fast arpeggios and abrupt changes of register to quick tempo changes and long phrases that challenge the player's breath control.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.