Choral Fantasy Op.80

<p><span>Beethoven's </span><em>Fantasia for Piano Chorus and Orchestra</em><span> composed late in 1808 is sometimes described as a prototype of the Symphony No.9. The first two thirds of the work could be described as a concert piece for piano solo and orchestra. Only after 400 measures does the chorus enter with a tune that does bear some similarity to the renowned Ode to Joy - which was still 15 years in the future when this work was composed. This new large-format vocal score is a digitally enhanced reissue of the reduction prepared by the renowned pianist Xaver Scharwenka that was first issued by Breitkopf und Hartel Leipzig in 1915. It actually doubles as a solo part and a vocal score and is an unusual dual-purpose score that works extremely well for rehearsals and performance. Matching full score and orchestral parts are also available from Serenissima Music (91166).</span></p>