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DictionaryfantasiaFree-form music
noun

fantasia

fan-TAY-zhuh/fænˈteɪʒə/

A musical composition with a free, imaginative structure.

The pianist plays a fantasia that moves freely between contrasting moods.

Pianist improvises at a compact piano while an airy flowing ribbon of a few essential musical notes bends freely above the keys, expressive unconstrained composition; no score text or piano brand.
Etymology
fantasiaGreekimagination; appearance, image

Greek phantasia connects the composition with imagination. In music, the name describes a piece that sounds extemporaneous—as though its shape follows the composer’s imaginative flow rather than a fixed plan.

In context

Gerard van Reenen14:56
that's called this piece a Fantasia that means you can play it with a lot of fantasy
Articulation for organists, lesson 1 - Bach Fantasia BWV 570 - Gerard van Reenen

More examples

  • Her fantasia weaves several folk melodies into one flowing piece.
  • The concert opens with a fantasia for solo flute.
  • These fantasias sound improvised, but every note is written down.

Forms

fantasia · fantasias

Similar words

rhapsody
Usually emphasizes emotional expression and contrasting episodes within a free structure.
capriccio
Typically emphasizes lively, playful character rather than structural freedom.