This recording brings together Berlioz's four Prix de Rome Cantatas in the year of the bicentenary celebrations of his birth.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at the Nouveau Siècle in Lille, with sessions taking place in October 1994 and November 1995.
Historical Context
The Prix de Rome, a significant honor for young composers, was established by Napoleon and included a two-year stay in Rome at the Villa Medici.
Album & Artwork
The cover image for this album is "The Death of Orpheus" by Thomas Jones and John Hamilton Mortimer, from the Yale Center for British Art.
Composition History
Berlioz attempted the prestigious Prix de Rome, a competition for young composers established by Napoleon, on four occasions between 1827 and 1830, winning on his final try.
Compositional Technique
The introduction to Berlioz's cantata Herminie was later adapted to become the "idée fixe" (a recurring musical theme) in his famous Symphonie fantastique.
You might also enjoy...
Rameau: Les Indes galantes: "Viens, Hymen"
Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust, Op.24: D'amour l'ardente flamme
