Fantasia in G is an unpretentious, joyful celebration for winds and percussion. The character of the work is reflected in its German subtitle "Freude, Schöner Götterfunken” (“ Joy, Bright Spark of Divinity ”), the opening line of Schiller's “ Ode to Joy ” as used by Beethoven in his Symphony No. 9 .

Timothy Mahr (b. 1956) is associate professor of music and director of bands at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota. He earned bachelor degrees in Theory and Composition and Music Education from St. Olaf, and a masters degree in trombone performance and doctorate in instrumental conducting from the University of Iowa. He is the recipient of several composition awards. His works have been performed by ensembles around the world and broadcast on several labels including Sony, Crest, Mark and St. Olaf.