Berlioz had little esteem for the academicians judging the Prix de Rome, viewing the competition as a personal battle against established routine and institutionalized lack of imagination.
Composition History
Berlioz composed the cantatas Herminie and Cléopâtre as entries for the prestigious Prix de Rome competition, which he eventually won on his fourth attempt.
Interpretation
This recording is a tribute from Barbara Hendricks to her only voice teacher, Jennie Tourel, who performed Berlioz's Les Nuits d'été, Herminie, and Cléopâtre.
Compositional Technique
In Herminie, Berlioz used a theme that prefigures the 'idée fixe' from his Symphonie fantastique, employing it dramatically rather than just for unification.
Compositional Technique
Berlioz was a powerful colorist whose dramatic conception was expressed through intense harmonic color, inventive accompanimental figures, and innovative orchestral timbres.
Performer Biography
Barbara Hendricks, the soprano on this album, studied for a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and chemistry before pursuing music at The Juilliard School.
Critical Reception
Berlioz's Cléopâtre was a failure at the Prix de Rome because the jury, composed of visual artists, could not understand his innovative score when played on the piano.
