Benjamin James Dale (July 17, 1885 - July 30, 1943)  was a British composer and academic. The youngest of seven children, Dale's parents were supportive of his interest in music; his father was an amateur musician who played organ, and wrote hymns. 

Dale showed great talent growing up; by 14 he was an accomplished organist, and had composed a few pieces as well. At 15 he entered the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied composition with Frederick Corder, who greatly admired Wagner and Liszt.  Dale's career led him to become a professor at the Academy in 1909, and in 1910, he composed his Phantasy, for viola and piano. This twenty minute work is replete with soaring, lush melodies for the viola, and the piano part is a busy, well fitting companion to the solo part.  Corder's love of progressive harmonies and chromaticism made an impression on Dale, which you hear in the work. After the piano introduction, the viola is kept very, very busy; it's a challenging work with long, lyrical lines tempered with biting, staccato sections that keep the work intriguing. As challenging as it is to play, it's equally pleasurable to listen to!

Here are some recordings of this wonderful work for you to enjoy!

Roger Chase
Simon Rowland-Jones