Congratulations to Mikhail Galaganov, division chair of strings and professor of viola, on the release of his latest album, “Viola Fantasies.” This extraordinary collection showcases Fantasies for Bass Viol by Baroque composer Georg Philipp Telemann—the only known solo works by a major Baroque composer that perfectly complement the modern viola’s range and tonal qualities.

Album cover for Viola Fantasies by Misha Galaganov, featuring works by Georg Philip Telemann.
Drawing on his extensive scholastic research and musical artistry, Galaganov brings Telemann’s melodies and intricate polyphony to vibrant life. His thoughtful interpretations, shaped by deep knowledge and instinct, create an engaging and captivating listening experience for audiences.
“This album is the recorded debut of Telemann’s ‘Fantasies for Bass Viol’ (1735) on the modern viola,” said Galaganov. “The pieces are very enjoyable to hear and are fun to play, but they can also be very useful as study materials. As such, they will soon become popular among viola players of all levels.”
As a soloist and chamber musician, Galaganov has premiered over 30 compositions written specifically for him, including works for viola, viola with piano and viola in chamber ensembles. These pieces were composed by artists from around the globe, including Belgium, Italy, Mexico and Russia, among others.
He serves as the principal violist of the Dallas Chamber Symphony and has premiered several works composed for small symphony orchestras and string chamber ensembles. Additionally, he is the founder of numerous chamber music programs.
Learn more about Galaganov’s latest album “Viola Fantasies.”