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Donald Macleod explores Berlioz's fascination with Shakespeare, including his King Lear overture and the 'dramatic symphony', Romeo and Juliet.

After his first encounter with Shakespeare's Hamlet, which he recognised as the supreme turning point of his life, Hector Berlioz emerged from the theatre reeling, vowing not to expose himself a second time "to the flame of Shakespeare's genius." But when he saw the playbills advertising Romeo and Juliet a few days later, he simply couldn't stay away. He bought a seat in the stalls. As he said himself: "My fate was doubly sealed." Hector Berlioz remained enraptured by Shakespeare all his life. In this programme, Donald Macleod explores this fascination, including his King Lear overture and the "dramatic symphony" Romeo and Juliet.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Hector Berlioz

    Tristia Op.18 for chorus and orchestra - Part 2; La Mort d'Ophelie

    Orchestra: The Cleveland Orchestra. Conductor: Pierre Boulez.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : 453-432 2.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 7.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Tristia Op.18 - Part 3; Marche funebre pour la derniere scene d'Hamlet

    Orchestra: Sydney S O. Conductor: Robert Pikler.
    • Chandos: Chan 6587.
    • Chandos.
    • 5.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Le Roi Lear - overture Op.4

    Orchestra: Staatskapelle Dresden. Conductor: Colin Davis.
    • RCA : 09026 -68790-2.
    • RCA.
    • 3.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Romeo et Juliet - symphonie dramatique Op.17 - Pt.2 no.2 Nuit sereine... Scene

    Orchestra: Montreal S O. Conductor: Charles Dutoit.
    • DECCA : 425-001-2.
    • DECCA.
    • 5.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 28 May 2014 12:00
  • Wed 28 May 2014 18:30

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