Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) Episode 1 of 5: A Childhood Wasted? First broadcast: Monday 26 May 2014
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of the quintessential romantic, Hector Berlioz. A friend of Berlioz remarked that "there has probably never been a famous composer whose childhood was wasted in circumstances less favourable to musical development." Berlioz grew up without any significant musical stimulus in his childhood. His father directed him towards a medical career, and it was only after two years of studying medicine in Paris that Berlioz followed his own desires and, without his parents' moral support, proceeded confidently on his course, which was to be far from easy over the next five years, studying at the Paris Conservatoire.
00:01 Hector Berlioz Les Nuits d'ete Op.7 - Au cimetiere Singer: Dame Janet Baker. Orchestra: New Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: Sir John Barbirolli. EMI : CDM-7 69544-2, EMI, 5
00:09 Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique Op.14 - Marche au supplice Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Colin Davis. LSO LIVE : LSO-007, LSO LIVE, 1
00:18 Hector Berlioz L' Enfance du Christ Op.25 - Ouverture (Les bergers se rassemblent) Orchestra: Goldsbrough Orchestra. Conductor: Colin Davis. Choir: St. Anthony Singers. DECCA : 436-404 2, DECCA, 2
00:37 Hector Berlioz Benvenuto Cellini - Seul pour lutter...Sur les monts Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Conductor: Bertrand de Billy. Singer: Roberto Alagna. EMI: 57433 2, EMI, 18
00:47 Hector Berlioz Grande messe des morts Op.5 - Lacrymosa Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: André Previn. Choir: London Philharmonic Choir. EMI : CZS 5-69512 2, EMI, 4