The composition Guggisberg Fantasie is based on a beloved and well known Swiss folksong. This song from the 17th century tells the sad story of two lovers who can never be together. The girl Verena is married off against her wishes. Simon her lover, has a fight with her rich new husband and ends up believing he has killed his wealthy opponent. To escape punishment he joins the army. When Simon returns, years later, he discovers that Verena has died of a broken heart.