Romanian Fantasy for guitar and alto flute/C flute (optional piccolo)(2025)
Original instrumentation for clarinet and guitar, performed by Jeff Brooks and Silviu Ciulei.
“Originally written in 2020 for the duo Clarinet Meets Guitar, Romanian Fantasy draws inspiration from the vibrant folk traditions of Romania—the distinctive timbres of wind instruments such as the trișcă, tilincă, and caval; the asymmetrical dance rhythms; and the colorful, ornamented melodic language. This new arrangement was commissioned by guitarist Doris Ćosić and flutist Antonina Styczeń and created in close collaboration with Antonina, who contributed recordings and suggestions for fingerings and extended techniques during the arranging process.
Building on the research begun by Béla Bartók in the early 20th century, Romanian Fantasy continues the exploration of how folk traditions can inspire contemporary music. The work bridges past and present—its earthy rhythmic drive and modal inflections merge with the expressive potential of modern instruments.
In this version, the flute part features singing and playing, timbral trills, and lip bends, expanding the instrument’s sonic palette to echo the raw, vocal quality of traditional flutes. The inclusion of piccolo and alto flute is deliberate: each adds its distinct color and resonance, capturing the character of Romanian folk instruments more authentically than the standard concert flute. Together, flute and guitar weave a rich dialogue between ancient sound worlds and modern expression—a tribute to the enduring vitality of folk music in contemporary art.”
Doris Ćosić, November 2025