Jazz Fantasia is a suite for orchestra by American composer John Lewis dedicated to and commissioned by the Modern Jazz Quartet, who released it on their album of the same name in 1956. It was Lewis's first composed piece for the Modern Jazz Quartet. The piece consists of four movements: "The Queen's Suite," "The Dancers," "The Peanut Vendor," and "Three Windows."
"The Queen's Suite"
This movement is a rhapsody based on the traditional English folk tune "Greensleeves." It begins with a stately introduction that sets the mood for the rest of the movement. The melody of "Greensleeves" is then played by the strings, accompanied by the piano and bass. The movement builds in intensity and ends with a triumphant flourish.
"The Dancers"
This movement is a lively, uptempo piece that evokes the feeling of a jazz dance club. It features energetic rhythms and solos by the piano, trumpet, and saxophone. The movement builds to a climax and then ends abruptly, leaving the listener wanting more.
"The Peanut Vendor"
This movement is a playful, Latin-inspired piece that is based on the Cuban street vendor song "El Manicero." It features a catchy melody and infectious rhythms that make it impossible not to dance. The movement ends with a flourish of percussion.
"Three Windows"
This movement is a reflective, introspective piece that is divided into three sections. Each section features a different melody and mood. The first section is a slow and mournful ballad. The second section is a more upbeat and optimistic piece, which builds to a climax. The third section is a quiet and introspective piece that brings the movement to a peaceful conclusion.
Jazz Fantasia is a diverse and ambitious piece of music that showcases John Lewis's mastery of composition and orchestration. It is a work that speaks to the power of jazz to evoke emotions, tell stories, and create beauty.