grand fantaisie
French composer
Definition
Thalberg's characteristic large-scale form: a concert piece based on operatic themes, typically comprising a slow, ornamented introduction; a set of variations or elaborations on the principal themes; and a brilliant concluding section. Duration typically 8–12 minutes.
Interpretive Guidance
In the grand fantaisie, manage the overall arc carefully — the slow introduction establishes the operatic source material before the technical brilliance unfolds. Never sacrifice the singing quality of the operatic themes for the sake of the passage work.