Beethoven Overture, Leonore No.2
Beethoven Piano Concerto No.4
INTERVAL
Berlioz Symphonie fantastique
Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor
Helene Grimaud piano
Composed at least partially under the influence of opium, Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique was both a staggering achievement and the first true Romantic symphony, using music alone to depict a hero's wild and often terrifying progress through a passionate affair and, ultimately, his execution for his lover's murder. Composed in 1830 when he was only 27 years old, it is an astonishing musical step forward from the music of Berlioz's own hero Beethoven, who had died just three years earlier.
In this programme Esa-Pekka Salonen juxtaposes the music of both composers; the Overture Leonore No.2, was known to be Berlioz's favourite work by Beethoven.
Official Website: http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/music/productions/philharmonia-38594