Fantasy-Sonata and Dream Music No. 1

Two of William Bolcom’s earliest and most complex piano solos are now available in this excellent volume featuring new engravings and explanatory and programmatic notes by the composer. Fantasy-Sonata (1961) exhibits a youthful enthusiasm for the European triumvirate of Boulez-Berio-Stockhausen dating from his period of study in Paris, as well as an abiding fondness for Charles Ives. Dream Music No. 1 (1965) expands on this influence from a time when Bolcom was a pianist at Pierre Boulez’s Domaine Musical in Paris.