Written in 1880 and premiered on February 22, 1881, by the Liverpool Philharmonic Society under the direction of the composer, with Joseph Joachim performing the solo violin, the SCHOTTISCHE FANTASIE (SCOTTISH FANTASY), Op. 46, is one of several Max Bruch (1838-1920) works that is still widely heard today.
Despite having not yet visited Scotland, Bruch became familiar with Scottish folk melodies from a collection at the Munich library and incorporated several such melodies in the work: “Through the Wood Laddie,” “The Dusty Miller,” “I’m A’ Doun for Lack O’ Johnnie,” and “Hey Tuttie Tatie” (or “Scots Wha Hae”).
The orchestra includes a harp, which has prompted many to wonder if Bruch was aware of the central role the Celtic harp plays in authentic Scottish folk music, or if the inclusion was merely a coincidence.
Here is violinist David Oistrakh to play this music for you:
