Fantasia No. 2 in D major, TWV 40:27
- Master D major brilliance and trumpet-like character
- Execute rapid tonguing and scalar passages
- Develop celebratory, festive affect
- Command altissimo register with clarity
About This Piece
Composer: Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Difficulty: Advanced
Notes Used: Full chromatic range from D4 to A6
Key: D major (2 sharps: F#, C#)
Movements: I. Largo - II. Spirituoso - III. Allegro
I. Largo - Noble Opening
Majestic D major with rich harmonic color. Tempo: ♩ = 45-50
Rich secondary dominants and borrowed harmonies.
II. Spirituoso - Lively and Spirited
Energetic eighth-note motion with dance character. Tempo: ♩ = 100-108
Brilliant arpeggio patterns imitating brass.
III. Allegro - Virtuosic Finale
Continuous sixteenth notes demanding flawless technique. Tempo: ♩ = 116-126
Climactic passage with altissimo flourishes.
Technical Exercises
Three octaves with perfect intonation.
Practice crisp articulation at speed.
Ornamentation Guide
- Trills: Add extensively in Largo; shorter, crisp trills in fast movements
- Mordents: Add brilliance to fanfare-like passages
- Appoggiaturas: Essential in Largo for expressive depth
- Acciaccaturas: Quick crushed notes in festive passages
Performance Practice
D major's traditional association with celebration and festivity should inform your interpretation. This is the brightest of Telemann's Fantasias, with trumpet-like brilliance throughout. Articulation should be crisp and clear, especially in fast movements. The Spirituoso movement combines elegance with energy - maintain rhythmic vitality without rushing. The Allegro demands absolute technical security; practice slowly with metronome until muscle memory is established.
Performance Goal: Project D major brilliance and festive character. Your tone should be clear and focused, especially in the altissimo register. Technical passages must be flawless - this is showpiece repertoire that demonstrates complete mastery of the instrument. Memorization strongly recommended for maximum expressive freedom.
Practice Strategy
- Begin each session with D major scales and arpeggios in all octaves
- Practice Allegro at half-tempo until absolutely secure
- Use varied articulation patterns (legato, staccato, mixed) for musical interest
- Record and listen critically - ensure evenness and clarity
- Study trumpet repertoire for stylistic inspiration