Harold in italy, op. 16, h. 67 by hector berlioz
berlioz completed this symphony for viola in 1834, with the premiere performance being given in november the same year in paris. the work was commission by violinist niccolo paganini. the virtuoso had acquired a stradivarious viola, and wanted a new symphony to perform as a way to display the quality of the instrument. paganini requested berlioz compose a symphony from him.
the name ‘harold in italy’ refers to a fictional character ‘harold’ during a trip through italy, as an homage to the poem ‘childe harold’s pilgrimage’ by lord byron.
the work is comprised of four movements: i. harold in the mountains ii. march of the pilgrims iii. serenade iv. at the orgy of the brigands
Harold in italy, op. 16, h. 67 by hector berlioz
berlioz completed this symphony for viola in 1834, with the premiere performance being given in november the same year in paris. the work was commission by violinist niccolo paganini. the virtuoso had acquired a stradivarious viola, and wanted a new symphony to perform as a way to display the quality of the instrument. paganini requested berlioz compose a symphony from him.
the name ‘harold in italy’ refers to a fictional character ‘harold’ during a trip through italy, as an homage to the poem ‘childe harold’s pilgrimage’ by lord byron.
the work is comprised of four movements:
i. harold in the mountains
ii. march of the pilgrims
iii. serenade
iv. at the orgy of the brigands
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