Berlioz's enthusiasm for Shakespeare was intensified by his infatuation with the Irish actress Harriet Smithson, whom he later married, and who had played Ophelia and Juliet.
Compositional Technique
Berlioz chose not to have singers portray Romeo and Juliet directly, instead using instrumental music to convey their love, believing it to be a 'richer, more varied, less finite' language.
Recording & Production
The Orchestre National de Lyon (ONL) was the first European symphony orchestra to perform in China, in 1979.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Berlioz was deeply influenced by Shakespeare, having been 'haunted' by the subject of Romeo and Juliet for over ten years after attending a performance in 1827.
Critical Reception
Richard Wagner, present at an early performance of Roméo et Juliette, famously called the Love Scene 'the melody of the 19th century'.
Compositional Technique
Roméo et Juliette is a 'dramatic symphony' that blends elements of symphony and opera, incorporating voices into the orchestra, similar to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
Composition History
Berlioz was able to compose Roméo et Juliette in a few months after receiving an unexpected gift of 20,000 francs from the great violinist Paganini, who declared him the heir of Beethoven.
You might also enjoy...
Mendelssohn: The Hebrides, Op. 26, MWV P 7 'Fingal's Cave' (Rome Version, 1830)
Brahms: Tragic Overture in D Minor, Op. 81
Brahms: Academic Festival Overture
Berlioz: Overture to Benvenuto Cellini
Lortzing: Der Waffenschmied: Ouverture
Szell Conducts Wagner Overtures
Mendelssohn: Die erste Walpurgisnacht
Berlioz: Overtures
Berlioz: Harold in Italy; The Roman Carnival Overture; Benvenuto Cellini Overture; Le Corsaire Overture; Beatrice et Benedict Overture
