Grand Fantasia by Sir Malcolm Arnold is a vibrant chamber work composed in 1940 for flute, clarinet (or trumpet), and piano. Despite its grand title, the piece is playfully ironic as Arnold wrote it during a holiday in Cornwall with friends, as a light-hearted escape amid the tensions of World War II.

Here’s what makes it special:

It’s a musical tour of Europe, with stylistic nods to Italian opera, Hungarian folk, Austrian waltz, and even jazz and musical comedy.

The piece is full of character and humour, showcasing Arnold’s flair for blending classical technique with theatrical charm.

It was originally performed under the pseudonym “A. Youngman,” adding to its whimsical spirit.

Background

In the summer of 1940, Malcolm Arnold and his flautist friend Richard Adeney escaped wartime tensions on a Cornish farm at St Buryan. Seeking buoyancy in bleak times, Arnold penned an exuberant trio for himself, Richard, and pianist Betty.

He wryly titled it Grand Fantasia, attributing authorship to a fictitious “A. Youngman” as a playful ruse against wartime uncertainty.

Instrumentation and Premiere

Grand Fantasia is scored for flute, clarinet (or trumpet) and piano, allowing flexible programming by chamber ensembles. Arnold’s first public showcase came in February 1941 during a series of Saturday concerts at Northampton’s Carnegie Hall.

Amid new works by the young composer, this boldly coloured fantasia charmed audiences with its technical flair and spirited humour.

Musical Style

Arnold’s writing in Grand Fantasia brims with panache. He embarks on an imaginary European tour—brief sojourns in Italy, Hungary and Austria—yet refuses to be pigeonholed.

Alongside lyrical operatic gestures, hints of musical comedy and jazz swing propel the work forward. The composer’s instinct for memorable melody and rhythmic drive ensures the trio never loses momentum or wit.

Structure and Highlights

The piece unfolds in a single continuous movement, alternating brisk fanfares, soulful song-like episodes and virtuosic flourishes. A carefree opening theme gives way to a reflective interlude before a scherzo-like section showcases rapid-fire interplay between the instruments.

Arnold then revisits earlier material, culminating in a jubilant rondo that brings the fantasia home with bright, affirming energy.

Publication and Editions

Originally left without articulation markings due to Arnold’s restless craftsmanship, subsequent editions have added dynamics and phrasing to respect performance practice.

Queen’s Temple Publications released the first piano-score edition. Clarinettists may substitute trumpet for added brilliance, making the work a staple in recital programs.

Legacy and Modern Performances

Over eight decades later, Grand Fantasia continues to delight both players and audiences. Professional ensembles and university wind groups alike program it for its blend of technical challenge and theatrical flair.

Numerous recordings—often paired with Arnold’s other wind chamber works—showcase its enduring capacity to surprise listeners with fresh colours and unexpected turns.

About the publisher:

Queen’s Temple Publications was founded in 1995 to make available interesting and useful wind chamber music, such as Sir Malcolm Arnold’s important Wind Quintet Op. 2. Since then we have expanded to include music for piano, guitar, choral music and much more. Our publications have been selected by the major examination boards worldwide.

Our composers also include James Rae, Iain Hamilton, Charles Camilleri, Paul Harris, Timothy Bowers and many others.

So if you are looking for fresh and unusual new repertoire, look no further!

Founding President: Sir Malcolm Arnold CBE

Current President: Emma Johnson MBE

Past President:
Julian Bliss

Vice-Presidents:
George Caird
Michael Collins
Christopher Gunning
Karl Leister
Lord Nicholas Lyell QC