what is notable about berliozs symphonie fantastique

Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique

• Dreams and Passions. In 1828, Paris buzzed with two sensations, Beethoven and Shakespeare. ...
• A Ball. The second movement invites us to a ball. ...
• Scenes in the Fields. While in Italy, Berlioz explored the musical landscape of the countryside and continued to polish Symphonie fantastique.
• March to the Scaffold. ...
• Dream of a Witches' Sabbath. ...

Full Answer

What can we learn from Berlioz’s ‘Symphonie fantastique’?

Symphonie fantastique has an enduring popularity and gives us a musical memoir of Berlioz’s infatuation with Smithson. ‘Love cannot express the idea of music, while music may give an idea of love,’ wrote the composer.

When did Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique come out?

The Story Of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Symphonie Fantastique was premiered in 1830 but Smithson did not hear the work until 1832, when she realised she might be the inspiration for it. Intrigued, she agreed to meet the composer and was blown away by the force of his emotion.

What is the third movement of Symphonie fantastique about?

The Third Movement of Symphonie fantastique opens with an echo from Berlioz's childhood: the sound of a cowherd's melody. Berlioz uses the huge orchestra to create the sense of suspension of time that intimacy can bring. This movement was the most difficult to compose for Berlioz.

What is the message of the Berlioz Symphony No 2?

Through its movements, it tells the story of an artist's self-destructive passion for a beautiful woman. The symphony describes his obsession and dreams, tantrums and moments of tenderness, and visions of suicide and murder, ecstasy and despair. The story is a self-portrait of its composer, Hector Berlioz.

What is unique about Symphonie fantastique?

Symphonie fantastique is an epic for a huge orchestra. Through its movements, it tells the story of an artist's self-destructive passion for a beautiful woman. The symphony describes his obsession and dreams, tantrums and moments of tenderness, and visions of suicide and murder, ecstasy and despair.

Why is Symphonie fantastique famous?

It is an important piece of the early Romantic period. The first performance was at the Paris Conservatoire on 5 December 1830. Franz Liszt made a piano transcription of the symphony in 1833 (S....Symphonie fantastiqueHector Berlioz by Pierre PetitOpus14PeriodRomantic musicComposed18309 more rows

Which best describes the inspiration for Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique?

The inspiration for Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique was: the actress Harriet Smithson. Edvard Grieg represents the: Scandinavian nationalist school.

What was controversial about Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique?

A program detailing the plot of his symphony. Why did Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique provoke controversy among the critics and audiences of Paris? Some did not believe that instrumental music could tell a definite story.

Who was the inspiration behind Symphonie fantastique?

actress Harriet SmithsonBerlioz, like a lot of composers, loved the ladies and his Symphonie fantastique was famously inspired by his stormy relationship with the Irish actress Harriet Smithson. He was completely obsessed with her – so much so, in fact, that she initially thought him to be insane.

What movement of Symphonie fantastique is also known as dream?

Fifth Movement: “Songe d'une nuit du sabbat” (Dream of the Night of the Sabbath)

Which of the following is true of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique?

Which of the following is true of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique? The program is thought to be autobiographical. In Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, the idée fixe: a.

What happens at the end of the Symphonie fantastique?

Berlioz's orchestra for Symphonie fantastique was larger than previous symphonies. What happens at the end of the Symphonie fantastique? a. The artist marries his love.

What happens to the poet during his hallucinations in Symphonie fantastique?

What happens to the poet's beloved in the Symphonie Fantastique? In his hallucinations and nightmares, he kills her.

What does the term fantastic Fantastique specifically refer to in Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique?

The official title of the piece is Episode de la Vie d'un Artiste (An Episode in the Life of an Artist), but it is always called by its subtitle Symphonie Fantastique which means Fantasy Symphony. The “Fantasy” refers to the story that is described by them music.

What are the movements of Symphonie fantastique?

Berlioz called the five movements inspired by this program: "Reveries and Passions," "A Ball," "In the Country," "March to the Scaffold" and "Dream of the Witches Sabbath." All of the symphony's innovations — the radical orchestration, eerie harmonies, eccentric rhythms, and the idée fixe representing the beloved (a ...

Who is the beloved in Symphonie fantastique?

The text the composer writes to tell the story is the program. Throughout the symphony, Berlioz uses a melody to symbolize a woman. The woman is called "the beloved" and the melody is called the "idée fixe". That melody comes back again and again over the course of the five parts of the symphony.

What is Romantic about the program and music of Symphonie fantastique?

What is Romantic about the program and music of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique? Berlioz combined musical creativity with personal storytelling. The Symphonie fantastique was intense, bold, and passionate.

When was classical music most popular?

The Classical era (1750–1830) But the Classical (big C) era specifically refers to music composed between 1750 and 1830. Classical era music is sometimes even referred to as 'Viennese Classicism'. The city was a bustling hub of musical activity at the time, home to Gluck, Haydn, Salieri, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert.

What is one innovative aspect of Symphonie fantastique?

The composition is also notable for its expanded orchestration, grander than usual for the early 19th century, and for its innovative use of a recurring theme—the so-called ideé fixe (“fixed idea” or “obsession”)—throughout all movements.

Who is the most well known composer of ballet music in the Romantic period?

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

When was the symphonie Fantastique premiered?

Symphonie Fantastique was premiered in 1830 during one of Berlioz’s periods of intense, pre-nuptial infatuation with Harriet. It’s really one long, musical expression of his passion, embodied in the person of a struggling artist who is mired in depression and seeking solace for the fact that his cries of desire go unanswered. ...

Who was Berlioz obsessed with?

Berlioz, like a lot of composers, loved the ladies and his Symphonie fantastique was famously inspired by his stormy relationship with the Irish actress Harriet Smithson. He was completely obsessed with her – so much so, in fact, that she initially thought him to be insane.

What was Berlioz's idea for Harriet?

To represent Harriet, Berlioz had a special idea; he wrote a musical theme which he called his idée fixe, which appears in the first movement and then reemerges throughout the Symphonie fantastique in different forms and played on different instruments.

What is the name of the symphony that caused an uproar?

Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique: The symphony that caused an uproar. Berlioz's spectacular Symphonie fantastique is truly fantastic, says Jane Jones. I think this really is a fantastic symphony – not only in name.

Did Beethoven tell stories in his symphonies?

Berlioz moved the symphony into something altogether more like story-telling. That's not to say that Beethoven didn't tell stories through his music – for example, ...

Did Berlioz and Harriet ever get married?

The couple eventually married – but they were far from blissfully happy. Instead, it turned out that she’d entered into the marriage only for financial reasons, and they eventually parted company. Symphonie Fantastique was premiered in 1830 during one of Berlioz’s periods of intense, pre-nuptial infatuation with Harriet.

Why did Berlioz write the Symphonie fantastique?

When she left Paris in 1829, they had still not met. Berlioz then wrote Symphonie fantastique as a way to express his unrequited love. Harriet did not attend the premiere in 1830, but she heard the work in 1832 and realized Berlioz's genius.

What is the story of Symphonie Fantastique?

Symphonie fantastique is a piece of program music that tells the story of an artist gifted with a lively imagination who has poisoned himself with opium in the depths of despair because of hopeless, unrequited love. Berlioz provided his own preface and program notes for each movement of the work.

How many movements are in the Symphonie fantastique?

If the symphony is performed on its own as a concert piece this arrangement is no longer necessary: one may even dispense with distributing the programme and keep only the title of the five movements. The author hopes that the symphony provides on its own sufficient musical interest independently of any dramatic intention.

How many violins did Berlioz play?

Double basses. Berlioz specified at least 15 1st violins, 15 2nd violins, 10 violas, 11 celli and 9 basses on the score. Berlioz originally wrote for 1 serpent and one ophicleide, but quickly switched to two ophicleides after the serpent proved to be difficult to use.

Why did Berlioz have two harps?

Berlioz wrote extensively in his memoirs of his trials and tribulations in having this symphony performed, due to a lack of capable harpists and harps , especially in Germany.

How many movements are there in the symphony?

The symphony has five movements, instead of four as was conventional for symphonies of the time: "Songe d'une nuit du sabbat" (Dream of a Witches' Sabbath) – C minor/C major. Each movement depicts an episode in the protagonist's life that is described by Berlioz in the program notes to the 1845 score.

What was the composer's intention in the score of the first score?

In the first score from 1845, he writes: The composer's intention has been to develop various episodes in the life of an artist, in so far as they lend themselves to musical treatment. As the work cannot rely on the assistance of speech, the plan of the instrumental drama needs to be set out in advance.

What is the symphonie fantastique?

Symphonie fantastique has an enduring popularity and gives us a musical memoir of Berlioz’s infatuation with Smithson. ‘Love cannot express the idea of music, while music may give an idea of love,’ wrote the composer. Neil McKim. Five essential works by Berlioz.

What works did Berlioz write?

Berlioz went on to write various works inspired by Shakespeare, including Roméo et Juliette and Béatrice et Bénédict, and his infatuation with Smithson inspired his great Symphonie fantastique. Berlioz’s obssession with Smithson grew. He rented rooms near her and sent her letters – but to no avail. So he then embarked on ...

What is the theme of the opening movement of Symphonie fantastique?

In the opening movement the young musician first sees the woman of his dreams. Her image haunts his imagination, presented as a musical theme, or idée fixe.

When was the first performance of the Symphonie?

The first performance of the Symphonie fantastique was arranged for 5 December 1830, to mark her return to Paris, but although the work was well received, she was not present. She didn’t hear the work until two years later. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Where did Berlioz see Hamlet?

In 1827 the composer Hector Berlioz went to see a production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Paris.

Who was Berlioz married to?

On 3 October 1833, Berlioz married Harriet Smithson. A few years earlier, his infatuation with the actress led him to compose his monumental Symphonie fantastique to win her over. Here’s the story…

Was there a real distinction between the real Smithson and one of Shakespeare’s heroines?

For Berlioz, it seems there was no real distinction between the real Smithson and one of Shakespeare’s heroines. He often referred to her as Ophelia, Juliet or Desdemona. After Smithson missed the 1830 premiere, Berlioz had a fling with pianist Marie-Félicité-Denise Moke leading to a disastrous and brief engagement.

Why did Berlioz use the orchestra?

Berlioz uses the huge orchestra to create the sense of suspension of time that intimacy can bring. This movement was the most difficult to compose for Berlioz. The music is always only a heartbeat away from the jealous rages that arise when the Artist sees his beloved with someone else.

What is the meaning of the symphony fantastique?

Symphonie fantastique is an epic for a huge orchestra. Through its movements, it tells the story of an artist's self-destructive passion for a beautiful woman. The symphony describes his obsession and dreams, tantrums and moments of tenderness, and visions of suicide and murder, ecstasy and despair.

What did Berlioz do while in Italy?

While in Italy, Berlioz explored the musical landscape of the countryside and continued to polish Symphonie fantastique.

How long did it take Berlioz to master the Devilish form?

For the competition, entrants were given a melody and had to write a fugue (a form with very strict rules) on the spot. It took Berlioz four years to master the devilish form but at last he won.

Where did the symphonie fantastique premiere?

Symphonie fantastique premiered in Paris in 1830. Reactions were mixed. Most disappointingly, Harriet Smithson did not attend.

Why did Berlioz leave Paris?

Berlioz left home for Paris to study medicine, but soon turned his attention to music.

What does the noise of the rest of the orchestra represent?

The noise of the rest of the orchestra represents the Artist's frustration and despair. Frightening outbursts alternate with moments of the greatest tenderness. It all leads to a moment of complete frenzy and collapse. Symphonie fantastique premiered in Paris in 1830. Reactions were mixed.

What is the story of the symphonie Fantastique?

As mentioned, the Symphonie Fantastique tells a story: each movement depicts an episode in the protagonist’s life (a young musician) that is described by Berlioz in the program notes to the 1845 score.

How many movements are there in the Symphonie Fantastique?

The Symphonie Fantastique is a programmatic symphony in 5 movements: it tells the story of an artist gifted with a lively imagination who has poisoned himself with opium in the depths of despair because of hopeless, unrequited love. Clearly autobiographical, as Leonard Bernstein put it: “Berlioz tells it like it is.

What was Smithson's musical idea?

But not just any musical idea: this became an obsessive, recurring idea; an idée fixe, or, if you prefer, a leitmotiv.

What is the first psychedelic symphony?

Certainly Berlioz’s most popular work, the Symphonie Fantastique could be defined as the first psychedelic symphony. Written in 1830, only 3 years after Beethoven’s death and 2 after Schubert’s, the Symphonie Fantastique is projected into the future in a way that had never happened before in the history of music.

Where did Harriet Smithson meet Berlioz?

Musee Magnin, Dijon, France. Harriet Smithson did not attend the premiere in 1830, but she heard the work in 1832 and realized Berlioz’s genius and also that she might have been the inspiration for it. The two finally met and despite neither speaking the other’s language they married in 1833.

Who said "Now there was an honest man. You take a trip, you wind up screaming at your own funeral?

Clearly autobiographical, as Leonard Bernstein put it: “Berlioz tells it like it is. Now there was an honest man. You take a trip, you wind up screaming at your own funeral.”

How long does it take to hear the idée fixe?

We’re gonna have to wait for 5 minutes from the beginning of the symphony to hear the full idée fixe. Berlioz opens with a slow introduction, one of the most difficult tests for any conductor.

What is the meaning of the title of the Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique?

A story of obsession, betrayal, and execution. | WETA. Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique. A story of obsession, betrayal, and execution. Berlioz was a musical outsider (and also, terrifyingly, a medical student) when he debuted his Symphonie Fantastique at the age of 26 at the Paris Conservatory.

Who is the composer of the symphony Fantastique?

Berlioz was a musical outsider (and also, terrifyingly, a medical student) when he debuted his Symphonie Fantastique at the age of 26 at the Paris Conservatory. We get into his obsession with an Irish actor that inspired the work, how he made some of the haunting musical imagery, instruments, and the detailed program Berlioz wrote ...

What is the ghastly sound of the Ophecleide?

The ghastly sounds of the Ophecleide (a predecessor of the tuba) It has a funny shape (think of a big saxophone with a tuba mouthpiece) and it's very difficult to play. Part of its character is the rough sound that it produces. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

How many times did Berlioz record the Symphonie Fantastique?

The best recording of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Berlioz’s greatest interpreter of modern times recorded the Symphonie fantastique three times, but this most recent version is the most gripping and satisfying, deftly treading a fine line between self-revelation and self-indulgence.

When did Berlioz start his symphony?

With those words, Berlioz introduced his Symphonie fantastique at its Parisian premiere in 1830, and listeners were left with little doubt that the ‘young artist of morbidly sensitive temperament’ was Berlioz himself.

What is Berlioz's signature work?

The creative depth of Berlioz's signature work, Symphonie Fantastique, is revealed in this collection of exceptional recordings

Is the Symphonie fantastique a symphony?

Yet for all this rampant pictorialism, the Symphonie fantastique is also a symphony. So a great performance has to balance these contradictory demands: it must tell an emotive, sensational story, but convince as a musical argument, too. The love story behind Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique.

Who accused Boulez of non-phrasing?

Hans Keller famously accused Boulez of ‘non-phrasing’. But as Berlioz introduces his idée fixe, Boulez does a splendid job of conveying both her shapeliness and the feelings that arouses. Boulez ’s sense of symphonic shape is compelling: nobody makes a better case for Symphonie fantastique as a musical structure.

Is Fantastique static?

This Fantastique is never static: if it isn’t surging forward then it’s in a state of expectant transition, ready to move at the next musical stimulus. The pictorial element is less vivid – this is more Berlioz on the therapist’s couch, reliving his emotions, than a diary-like record of a vivid dream.

Is the symphony fantastique a musical structure?

Boulez ’s sense of symphonic shape is compelling: nobody makes a better case for Symphonie fantastique as a musical structure. If it does sound a little detached emotionally, there’s a feeling of playful irony – also a very Berliozian quality – which makes that detachment credible.

What is the theme of the Symphonie Fantastique?

Symphonie Fantastique makes use of an “idée fixe”, a recurring theme which laces through the work, representing the object of the artist’s desires: the beloved. Like the piece, Berlioz too has this obsessional quality – a focus on interiority and the ocean of feeling within himself. This must be why Symphonie Fantastique, with its vivid melodrama and deep passions, still fascinates us today.

What did Berlioz do after his engagement?

But marital bliss was elusive: shortly after their engagement, Berlioz was obliged to take up a two-year residency in Rome after winning a contest for composition. He was loath to leave his new fiancée, but reneging on his prize also meant forfeiting the grant that he sorely needed. In Rome, he was downcast and isolated, and his letters to Camille went unanswered. When he finally received a response, it wasn’t from the Moke he had expected. Camille’s mother sent him a letter that told him her daughter had married a wealthy piano manufacturer in his absence. As one can imagine, this was enough to tip the composer over the edge. His first course of action was to purchase a dress, hat and wig. Then, he liberated a case of pistols from the Villa Medici where he was staying. His plan? Travel back to France and infiltrate the Moke residence while disguised as a maid. Once inside, it was curtains for the family – mother, daughter and her new husband, too. Revenge enacted, the composer would then turn the gun on himself. Luckily for Berlioz, his plan disintegrated when his disguise and weapons were lost during a changeover in Genoa.

How old was Hector Berlioz when he had his first love affair?

Hector Berlioz was 12 when he had his first love affair. Well, perhaps “affair” would be too grand a term for the budding composer’s infatuation with his 18-year-old neighbour Estelle Fornier, but we know that his fascination was strong enough for his family to notice and tease him for it. It was both an embarrassing and a deeply affecting experience for the young boy, presaging a pattern of obsessional romantic experiences throughout his life, the most notorious of which surrounds the composition of arguably his most famous piece: the dramatic, voluptuous Symphonie Fantastique.

Summary

Overview

Instrumentation

Movements

Sources

External links