Hummel wrote three versions of the four-minute fantasias: the original version for basset horn as well as versions for solo bass clarinet and solo bassoon. The most effective version undoubtedly is the version for basset horn with its mystically transfigured sound which even Mozart had used for the musical reference to the world to come.Each of the three fantasias begins with a Gregorian song in praise of the Virgin Mary followed by an elaborate fantasia on this tune. Thus, Hummel bridges the pe...