Fantasy Latina (Piano Concerto #1) is one of  Behr’s more youthful works, completed when he was 29.  And it feels it.  This “mini” piano concerto in one movement opens ominously then settles into the buoyant “A” theme, a charming, rhythmically charged melody weaving in unexpected paths.  The “B” section, a quirky waltz mostly in 5/4 time, flows charmingly until reaching an ominous “C” section with gravitas and dissonant twelve-tone rows.  The “A” theme returns with its Hispanic flavor, swerving between meters in twos and threes culminating with a grandiose and brassy conclusion.

Jokester Scherzo, for orchestra, is comical, charming yet brooding.  One of Behr’s earlier works, it depicts a prankster kidding around, telling stories and making people smile.  Scherzo is  well-suited for ballet.

Fantasy Latina scored for Piano, Violin I-II, Viola, Cello, Db,

2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 2 Tpt, 4 FH, 3 Trb, Timp, Perc

© Fantasy Latina and Jokesteer Scherzo by James Behr.  

All Rights Reserved.

Produced at GEM Studio, New York.