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Donald Macleod considers how Berlioz's time spent studying in Italy made its presence felt in the composer's music throughout his life.

At his fourth attempt, Berlioz finally won the prestigious Prix de Rome. The good news was the substantial financial package, plus free entry to every opera house in Europe. The bad news was a compulsory two year stay in Rome, studying at the Villa Medici. Berlioz, whose love life was rather fragile at the time, didn't want to go at all, and when he got there did very little composition and lots of complaining. Nevertheless, his time in Italy made its presence felt in his music throughout his life. Donald Macleod investigates.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 7 Aug 2012 18:30

Music Played

  • Hector Berlioz

    Symphonie fantastique Op.14

    Conductor: Robin TICCIATI Performer: Scottish Chamber Orchestra

    • Linn.
    • Promo.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Le Roi Lear - overture Op.4

    Conductor: Colin DAVIS Performer: London S O.

    • PHILIPS.
    • 416 430-2-.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Benvenuto Cellini - opera vers. original in 2 acts

    Conductor: Colin DAVIS Performer: Christiane EDA-PIERRE - Soprano (Teresa) Performer: Jane BERBIE - Mezzo-soprano (Ascanio) Performer: Jules BASTIN - Bass (Balducci) Performer: Nicolai GEDDA - Tenor (Cellini) Performer: Robert MASSARD - Baritone (Fieramosca) Performer: ´óÏó´«Ã½ S O.

    • Philips.
    • 4169552.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Harold en Italie - symphony Op.16 for viola and orchestra

    Conductor: John Eliot GARDINER Performer: Gerard CAUSSE - Viola Performer: Orchestre Revolutionnaire Et Romantique

    • PHILIPS.
    • 446-676-2.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Symphonie Fantastique - 2nd movt: Un bal

    • Linn.
  • Hector Berlioz

    King Lear Overture

    • Philips.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Benvenuto Cellini (end of Act 1)

    • Philips.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Sérénade d?un montagnard des Abruzzes from Harold en Italie

    • Philips.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 7 Aug 2012 12:00
  • Tue 7 Aug 2012 18:30

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