Antonio Pappano: Behind the Symphony - Berlioz

Ignite your passion for music with conductor Sir Antonio Pappano. In this exclusive Marquee TV series, Pappano explores the history and artistry of four iconic symphonies, revealing the secrets that make them so extraordinary. In this episode, Pappano explores the life and work of Hector Berlioz, taking a closer look at his brilliant Symphonie Fantastique. Like the man himself, Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique is a piece of extraordinary expressiveness and emotional extremes. Sitting in the rehearsal room with the London Symphony Orchestra, Pappano explores the inner workings of this iconic symphony. He unpacks the turbulent history surrounding the composition, tracing Berlioz’s obsessive love for Irish actress Harriet Smithson and his descent into drug-induced delirium. From the haunting, recurring idée fixe to a terrifying march to the scaffold, Pappano reveals how Berlioz pushed classical boundaries to create a gothic theater of the mind. Along the way, hear from members of the orchestra about the incredible stamina and skill required to play such a physically demanding, dramatic work. This is a holistic look at the first great Romantic symphony, guaranteed to give you a newfound appreciation for its wild rhythms, eerie orchestral effects, and theatrical power.