In the consecutive artistic season, the Szczecin Philharmonic continues its concert series (four per season) as the "Monuments of Symphony" series.
The "Monuments of Symphony" series is an encounter with works that have not only stood the test of time but still manage to surprise.
"The "Monuments of Symphony" concert series is aimed at those courageous and conscious adults who would like to discover the true meaning of the adverb "symphonically" (so popular in recent years) and to hear and understand evergreens of orchestral work live.
Each concert begins with a short, informal lecture introducing the composer and explaining the concept and form of the work."
Today we listened to Director Neuman's account of the creation of a piece inspired by the composer's dramatic love for an actress.
It was Hector Berlioz's Symphony (Symphonie fantastique: Épisode de la vie d'un artiste... en cinq parties [Symphonie fantastique: An Episode in the Life of an Artist in Five Movements]).
Here is a link to more and less dramatic moments in the composer's life:
Życiorys Berlioza
Berlioz introduced innovations to the piece that were controversial at the time and scored it for a 90-piece orchestra, consisting of:
- 15 first violins – 15 second violins – 10 violas – 11 cellos – 9 double basses
- 2 flutes – 2 oboes – 2 clarinets – 4 bassoons
- 2 trumpets – 2 cornets – 4 horns – 3 trombones – 2 tubas
- bells – 4 timpani – cymbals – bass drum
- 4 harps
(…) Berlioz placed great importance on the program of the work. During the premiere, a printed plot description was distributed to the audience, intended to aid in understanding the musical narrative.
The program reads: "The plan of an instrumental drama, unaided by words, must be presented in advance. The following program should therefore be treated as the spoken libretto of the opera, serving to introduce musical pieces whose character and expression motivate."(…)
Parts of the Szczecin concert were introduced by a narrator, which, together with Maestro Neumann's presentation, allowed for an emotional experience of the work.
The concert concluded with a long standing ovation.
And here we are, relaxed after the concert:
