The Pastorale, Fantasy and Fugue (op. 23), composed for string orchestra in 1938, is the concluding piece of idyllic atmosphere and exceptional beauty of Weiner's Neo-Classical period. Its most characteristic virtue is the overwhelming and expressive melodiousness, reaching its climax in the personal lyricism of the Fantasy; the last time when Weiner, a basically shy personality, had opened this heart in this way was in some of his youthful chamber compositions. The brilliand closing fugue is based on the melody of a Hungarian bagpipe song. (János Malina)