Fantasia I, FbWV 201 sopra Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La

Johann Jacob Froberger

BaroqueSpecialistfantasy~7 min
H7
Henle (estimated)
ABRSM 8RCM 10

About this piece

This fantasy is a sophisticated example of the 'hexachord' tradition, building a multi-section work upon the rising solmization syllables. It showcases Froberger's mastery of the stylus phantasticus.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: independent voices that must each sing on their own line; ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.

Beyond that, expect fine finger independence within the hand.

Teacher notes

The performer needs to master the subtle ornamentation to properly delineate the shifting lines within the contrapuntal texture.

Technical focus

counterpointornamentationarticulationfinger-independence

Mood

contemplativeintellectual

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is Fantasia I, FbWV 201 sopra Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La by Johann Jacob Froberger?

Fantasia I, FbWV 201 sopra Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.

What level do I need to play Fantasia I, FbWV 201 sopra Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 7 — meaning you can already play level 6–7 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Fantasia I, FbWV 201 sopra Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La?

A typical performance of Fantasia I, FbWV 201 sopra Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La lasts about 7 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Fantasia I, FbWV 201 sopra Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La?

Fantasia I, FbWV 201 sopra Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Fantasia I, FbWV 201 sopra Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Fantasia VII in G-Dur, FbWV 207 by Johann Jacob Froberger, Fantasia III in C major, FbWV 203 by Johann Jacob Froberger, Fantasia VII in G major, FbWV 207 by Johann Jacob Froberger — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.