Encouraged by Brahms and Dvořák while embracing the innovative influences of Debussy, Mahler and Richard Strauss, Josef Suk ranked among the most important composers of the Romantic Czech school. Suk’s Fantasy carries the listener into the realms of reverie with its virtuosic solo violin and rich orchestration. The magical story of the romance of a dashing young prince, Radúz, who desires the hand of princess Mahulena from a rival mountain kingdom, lies behind Suk’s luxuriantly orchestrated suite Fairy Tale. The Fantastic Scherzo is one of his most evocative works, with a haunting Czech tune on middle strings and cellos that lingers long in the heart.