Cantabile et Presto George Enescu (1881-1955) Born in a village in North Romania that was later renamed "George Enescu" in his honour, some of the composer's earliest experiences of music came from local fiddlers and gypsy bands. Going on to become Romania's best known composer and a leading figure in Romanian musical life in the first half of the 20th century, Enescu's early folk experiences remained a major influence on his writing. When asked to describe the essential character of music from his country Enescu replied: 'Dreaming. And a tendency, even in fast sections, towards minor keys'; 'sadness even in the midst of happiness'. Commissioned by the Paris Conservatoire for their annual Flute Concours, the Cantabile in particular displays signs of his Romanian influences. He captures the improvisatory nature of the folk musicians he grew up hearing: as he develops the melody, ornamentation turns into the melody itself. The Presto, by contrast, is stormy in character.