Word: berlioz
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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Upon entering the beautiful Symphony Hall, with its Grecian figurines gracing the walls and Beethoven's name inscribed in gold above the stage, one is always prepared for an impressive concert. And the Boston Symphony Orchestra does not disappoint -- its all-Berlioz concert was truly enjoyable. The orchestra performed three of Hector Berlioz's less known works: the Waverly overture (1827), La Mort d'Orphee (1827) and Te Deum...
...Waverly, Berlioz's earliest catalogued work, is typical of any composer's early works: light, crowd-pleasing, conventional and devoid of individual style. Its sound blends the characteristics of the Classical and Romantic eras, but does not follow the Germanic style that preceded it. Overall, the Waverly had a pleasant sound, and was a good introductory piece for the program...
...Mort d'Orphee, though composed in the same year as the Waverly, has a distinctly different tone. Berlioz wrote it for the Prix de Rome, the most prestigious composers' competition in Paris, but the judges deemed it too daring. This work tells the tale of Orpheus' death in three movements. The first is a sorrowful tenor melody in which Orpheus laments for his lost Eurydice. The second depicts the wrath of Bacchus' priestesses, who tear Orpheus to pieces when he rejects their love. Both a tenor and a women's choir are required for this movement, but this seems almost...
After intermission, the final work, Te Deum, brought the audience to its feet with thunderous applause. This piece utilized a tenor, a full choir and a children's chorus. Its seven movements are taken from a liturgical text; Berlioz composed this piece soon after his father's death, which may have influenced his subject choice. After the grand introduction, Berlioz moves into some of the most beautiful melodies of his whole repertoire. Daring and original, this work demonstrates his mature style, his full mastery of blending orchestral and choral sounds...
...Deum for a sweeping, magnificent performance. Mr. Christie's skillful organ playing added a lovely tone to the entire work. The children's choir was adorable, and sang with great enthusiasm. Overall, this was an excellent concert, and kudos go to all musicians involved in bringing Berlioz's music to life...