Fantasia No. VIII

This bassoon solo is titled Fantasia due to the nature of its free and improvisatory construction. In three movements, the fantasia pushes the bassoon to its limits to create streams of contrasting colour, shifts in character, and small motives which are moved around like puzzle pieces.

It is a journey of struggle and triumph, and so slight liberties in tempo are encouraged. It was written for bassoon legend, Matthew Kneale. His boundless enthusiasm, passion, and energy served as the inspiration for the piece.