Listeners familiar with Haydn's "London" Symphony No. 104" will notice references starting at the first measure. And the violin part at the outset of the Symphony's fourth movement, Allegro Spiritoso, offered the core of what became the melody to this Fantasy. The melody of the "bridge" section of the tune is crafted from the first seven measures of the opening theme of Haydn's first movement (Allegro).
The use of "A Foggy Day" had to be more subtle, as copyright law must be observed, limiting the use of its actual melody within this piece. But Gershwin's harmony actually is the harmonic basis under the melody of the Fantasy; and his devotees will recognize that when the soloist improvises medium-swing jazz with the orchestra, the chord progression is indeed entirely that of "A Foggy Day." (An optional written-out solo is provided.)
The superb piano reduction makes the six-minute London Town Fantasy ideal for performances on student and professional recitals, and no improvisational skills are needed by the pianist. Available MIDI demonstration recordings of the duo and orchestral settings, with MIDI soloist or "minus one," make rehearsals easy and even provide the aural basis for your own potential "virtual" performance. -the publisher