Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) Episode 3 of 5: Shakespeare First broadcast: Wednesday 28 May 2014
After his first encounter with Shakespeare's Hamlet, which he recognised as the supreme turning point of his life, Hector Berlioz emerged from the theatre reeling, vowing not to expose himself a second time "to the flame of Shakespeare's genius." But when he saw the playbills advertising Romeo and Juliet a few days later, he simply couldn't stay away. He bought a seat in the stalls. As he said himself: "My fate was doubly sealed." Hector Berlioz remained enraptured by Shakespeare all his life. In this programme, Donald Macleod explores this fascination, including his King Lear overture and the "dramatic symphony" Romeo and Juliet.
00:02 Hector Berlioz Tristia Op.18 for chorus and orchestra - Part 2; La Mort d'Ophelie Orchestra: The Cleveland Orchestra. Conductor: Pierre Boulez. DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : 453-432 2, DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON, 7
00:11 Hector Berlioz Le Roi Lear - overture Op.4 Orchestra: Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden. Conductor: Colin Davis. RCA : 09026 -68790-2, RCA, 3
00:29 Hector Berlioz Romeo et Juliet - symphonie dramatique Op.17 - Pt.2 no.2 Nuit sereine... Scene Orchestra: Montreal S O. Conductor: Charles Dutoit. DECCA : 425-001-2, DECCA, 5
00:50 Hector Berlioz Tristia Op.18 - Part 3; Marche funebre pour la derniere scene d'Hamlet Orchestra: Sydney S O. Conductor: Robert Pikler. CHANDOS: CHAN 6587, CHANDOS, 5