Shakespeare
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.
Last on
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 12:00³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 3
- Wed 28 May 2014 18:30³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 3
Beethoven Unleashed – the box set
What was really wrong with Beethoven?
Composers A to Z
Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week
Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem
What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?
A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...
The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.
Composer Help Page
Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.