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A Childhood Wasted?

Donald explores Berlioz's early life, which was without any significant musical stimulus. Instead, Berlioz was directed towards a medical career by his father.

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the quintessential romantic, Hector Berlioz. A friend of Berlioz remarked that "there has probably never been a famous composer whose childhood was wasted in circumstances less favourable to musical development." Berlioz grew up without any significant musical stimulus in his childhood. His father directed him towards a medical career, and it was only after two years of studying medicine in Paris that Berlioz followed his own desires and, without his parents' moral support, proceeded confidently on his course, which was to be far from easy over the next five years, studying at the Paris Conservatoire.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 10 Aug 2015 18:30

Music Played

  • Hector Berlioz

    Les Nuits D'Ete Op.7 For Voice And Piano Or Orchestra

    Singer: Janet Baker. Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: John Barbirolli.
    • EMI : CDM-7 69544-2.
    • EMI.
    • 5.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Les Nuits d'ete Op.7 - Au cimetiere

    Singer: Janet Baker. Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: John Barbirolli.
    • EMI : CDM-7 69544-2.
    • EMI.
    • 5.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Symphonie Fantastique Op.14

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Colin Davis.
    • LSO LIVE : LSO-007.
    • LSO LIVE.
    • 1.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Symphonie fantastique Op.14 - Marche au supplice

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Colin Davis.
    • LSO LIVE : LSO-007.
    • LSO LIVE.
    • 1.
  • Hector Berlioz

    L' Enfance Du Christ Op.25

    Orchestra: Goldsbrough Orchestra. Conductor: Colin Davis. Choir: St. Anthony Singers.
    • DECCA : 436-404 2.
    • Decca.
    • 2.
  • Hector Berlioz

    L' Enfance du Christ Op.25 - Ouverture (Les bergers se rassemblent)

    Orchestra: Goldsbrough Orchestra. Conductor: Colin Davis. Choir: St. Anthony Singers.
    • DECCA : 436-404 2.
    • Decca.
    • 2.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Benvenuto Cellini - Opera Vers. Original In 2 Acts

    Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Conductor: Bertrand de Billy. Singer: Roberto Alagna.
    • EMI: 57433 2.
    • EMI.
    • 18.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Benvenuto Cellini - Seul pour lutter...Sur les monts

    Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Conductor: Bertrand de Billy. Singer: Roberto Alagna.
    • EMI: 57433 2.
    • EMI.
    • 18.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Grande Messe Des Morts Op.5

    Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: André Previn. Choir: London Philharmonic Choir.
    • EMI : CZS 5-69512 2.
    • EMI.
    • 4.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Grande messe des morts Op.5 - Lacrymosa

    Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: André Previn. Choir: London Philharmonic Choir.
    • EMI : CZS 5-69512 2.
    • EMI.
    • 4.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 26 May 2014 12:00
  • Mon 26 May 2014 18:30
  • Mon 10 Aug 2015 18:30

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