Arnold Schönberg
Phantasy for Violin with Piano Accompaniment, op. 47
Note with directions for playing technique. 1949
        
In March 1949, at the request of the violinist Adolph Koldofsky, Schönberg wrote a Phantasy for Violin with Piano Accompaniment, op. 47, which would be the last chamber music piece he completed. The title is meant to convey the piece’s independence from conventional formal plans. The leading role of the violin was an essential part of the compositional process: Schönberg composed the string part first and then supplemented it with the piano part – “as something appended, as support, such that it would not be seen as a duet.“ Schönberg called for a variety of different playing techniques in the Phantasy, the execution of which he discussed with Adolph Koldofsky. In this process, he clarified many details and accepted the suggestions of his performer.