Of Fantasy (Of Dreams and Ceremonies)

for 13 solo strings

Commissioned by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

17’ 00” duration 1989

5 March 1989. Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, BCMG, John Lubbock

The title is drawn from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

This was BCMG’s very first commissioned work, just before Sound Investment was formed. Simon Rattle, and Simon Clugston were instrumental in forming BCMG as well as its association with the Barber Institute, The University of Birmingham.

BCMG have played this work a number of times, the best being alongside the Arditti Quartet in my 60th year.

I genuinely did think your piece MAGNIFICENT – strong, heroic, even noble – I thought momently it might turn into Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro – a great piece, in my thinking. I feel vicarious pride in it being MY piece, of course; and I was much moved by your programme note. Thanks for everything,
Wilfrid (aged 80)

True grittiness
Jan Smaczny

Lasting some 20 minutes, Hoyland’s piece ought to become a classic
Paul Griffiths

Of Fantasy... at Universal Edition