Cast in five trailablazing movements, the Symphonie fantastique celebrates Berlioz's delirious infatuation with the Irish actress, Harriet Smithson, who crops up throughout by means of her own musical signature or idée fixe. After taking a draft of opium, Berlioz's wild ravings climax in a Witches' Sabbath finale, which sees Harriet consorting with all manner of ghouls and fiends. In this afternoon's concert it is paired with music by the composer who most influenced him - Beethoven - and by Berlioz's contemporary and admirer Schumann.
More concerts with Esa-Pekka Salonen:
Salonen conducts in Dortmund
May 24 2013, 20:00 - Konzerthaus Dortmund
Salonen conducts Korngold, Hermann and Williams in Dortmund as part of the Philharmonia's European Tour.
Salonen conducts in Hamburg
May 25 2013, 20:00 - Laieszhalle Hamburg
Salonen conducts Varèse and Stravinsky in Hamburg as part of the Philharmonia's European Tour.










