In his “Choral Fantasy” (Fantasie), Beethoven created a paean to art that is at once both a cantata and a concert piece. The roughly twenty-minute work is often seen as a precursor to the Ninth Symphony’s “Ode to Joy”. After a contemplative piano introduction, a virtuosic dialogue unfolds – much like in a concerto – between piano and orchestra before the vocal soloists and choir make their entrance. Finally, piano, orchestra, and voices unite in an exhilarating song of jubilation. This arrangement makes the work accessible even to smaller choirs and instrumental ensembles, requiring only half of the original wind parts. The tonal balance and musical substance are retained, making this version a practical alternative to the original. The vocal scores and choral scores from the original version (Carus 10.394) can be used. Original version: Soli SSATB, Coro SATB, Pfte, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Tr, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc/Cb. Arrangement for chamber orchestra: Soli SSATB, Coro SATB, Pfte, Fl, Ob, Clt, Fg, Cor, Tr, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc/Cb.