Basingstoke: Symphonie Fantastique

The impulse behind the Pastoral symphony was Beethoven’s own love of the Austrian countryside. The five movements encompass the joys of solitary contemplation and a peasants’ celebration, a summer thunderstorm, and a final hymn of thanksgiving.

Berlioz’ stunning Symphonie fantastique embodies the visions of a lovesick musician in the grip of an overdose of opium. The idea of his beloved returns in various guises through the work, ending in a nightmarish witches’ sabbath. A profoundly imaginative score, it made the composer’s reputation all over Europe.