Eugène Bozza

Fantaisie Italienne

Having won many prizes at the Paris Conservatoire during the 1920s-1930s, Eugène Bozza went on to conduct the orchestra of the Opéra-Comique and to become Head of the Conservatoire in Valenciennes. As a major figure on the classical music frontline, Bozza's compositions were well-received by audiences, Italian Fantasy for Clarinet and Piano being no exception. This Bozza piece for Clarinet is expressive and virtuosic, displaying the entire range of the instrument, accompanied by rhythmic quavers and spread chords in the Piano. Italian Fantasy is thought to be so named due to Bozza's Italian routes on his Father's side of the family. As music educationalist, Paul Griffiths has written of Bozza's compositions, his works reveal melodic fluency, elegance of structure and a consistently sensitive concern of instrumental capabilities. Italian Fantasy for Clarinet and Piano is suitable to the advanced clarinetist's repertoire.