Berlioz and Symphonie Fantastique Flashcards
1
Q
Berlioz
A
1803-1869
1
Q
Birthplace
A
Near Lyon, France
(Cote-Saint Andre)
2
Q
Lifestyle and Teacher
A
- Learned flute and guitar (no piano)
- Studied music formally at the Paris Conservatoire (after leaving med.)
3
Q
Contributions (6)
A
- Highly original and individual composing style (i.e. Inspired by Beethoven - created unusual instrumental effects)
- Unrestricted by piano conventions
- Preferred large-scale forms (oratorio and symphony)
- Expanded the size of the orchestra
- Used programmatic writing in works
- Worked well with Liszt (i.e. progressive chromatic harmony)
4
Q
Genre
A
program symphony
5
Q
Date
A
1830
6
Q
Inspiration
A
The infatuation with the actress Harriet Smithson
7
Q
General program
A
a lovesick artist takes drugs (trying to kill himself). The drug is too weak to kill, and we see the artists dreams and nightmares (influenced by the beloved Smithson)
8
Q
Fifth Movement
A
Songe d’une nuit de sabbat
9
Q
Info (4)
A
- C minor (opens in)
- 4-4 time
- Goes to Larghetto and then changes to Allegro
He sees himself in a witches Sabbat; weird and strange sounds (in the middle of a monsters and witches gathering); the beloved melody appears again here but loses its character
10
Q
Format of the song (4)
A
- Introduction - sets a mysterious and suspenseful mood (colourful orchestration and chromatism; unique)
- Statement of the idée fixe (Eb major, has now transformed)
- Dies Irae (C minor)
- Dance of the Witches (C major, fugal text, mocking and dissonant tone), uses col legno
