Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette

Featuring

Robin Ticciati
Alastair Miles
Andrew Staples
Katija Dragojevic
Sveriges Radios Symfoniorkester
Radiokören

Hector Berlioz

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Critical Reception

Berlioz's Roméo et Juliette is considered one of the most original conceptions of the nineteenth century, deftly poised between symphony and stage drama.

Composer Biography

Berlioz's discovery of Shakespeare in 1827 was overwhelming, not only for the drama but also because the leading actress, Harriet Smithson, became his wife six years later.

Composition History

The opportunity to compose Roméo et Juliette came from a gift of 20,000 francs from the violinist Paganini, and its formal shape was indirectly inspired by Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

Notable Performances

Roméo et Juliette had its first three performances in Paris at the end of 1839, conducted by Berlioz, and deeply impressed Wagner, who was present.

Composition History

Berlioz's Roméo et Juliette, his third symphony, was inspired by his greatest literary passion, Shakespeare, and his own fervent experiences.

Compositional Technique

Berlioz's Roméo et Juliette is a choral symphony, using a double chorus to represent the warring families and solo voices as secondary characters, while the lovers themselves are represented purely by the orchestra.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Berlioz intentionally did not set the famous balcony scene as a love duet because it is a symphony, not an opera, and he believed words were too precise to express the sublimity of this love, which only music could paint.