The Scottish Fantasy in E-flat major, Op. 46, is a composition for violin and orchestra by Max Bruch. Completed in 1880, it was dedicated to the virtuoso violinist Pablo de Sarasate.
It is a four movement fantasy on Scottish folk melodies. The fourth movement includes a sprightly arrangement of "Hey Tuttie Tatie", which is the tune in the patriotic anthem "Scots Wha Hae" (with lyrics by Robert Burns). The first movement is built on a tune variously identified as “Auld Rob Morris” or "Through the Wood Laddie". This tune also appears at the end of the second and fourth movements. The second movement is built around “The Dusty Miller”, and the third on “I'm A' Doun for Lack O' Johnnie”.
In paying homage to Scottish tradition (although the composer never visited Scotland), Bruch's composition gives a prominent place to the harp in the instrumental accompaniment to the violin.
The Scottish Fantasy is one of the several signature pieces by Bruch which are still widely heard today, along with the first violin concerto and the Kol Nidrei for cello and orchestra.
Read more about Scottish Fantasy: Composition, Premiere, Notable Recordings, Movements, Instrumentation
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