Explore Berlioz's revolutionary Symphonie Fantastique and its role in establishing narrative program music in the 19th century.
Explore Berlioz's revolutionary Symphonie Fantastique and its role in establishing narrative program music in the 19th century.
This engaging course examines Hector Berlioz's groundbreaking Symphonie Fantastique, a pivotal work that transformed symphonic music. Students will explore the composer's innovative approach to orchestration, his use of narrative in instrumental music, and the cultural context of early Romantic music. The course culminates with a live performance by the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra, offering unique insights into this masterpiece's execution and interpretation. Led by Harvard's Thomas Forrest Kelly, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of this revolutionary work's composition, reception, and lasting influence.
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English
What you'll learn
Understand the key features and innovations of Romantic program music
Analyze Berlioz's pioneering orchestration techniques
Explore the cultural context of 19th-century symphonic music
Appreciate the narrative elements in instrumental composition
Examine the impact of Symphonie Fantastique on musical history
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
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Limited Access access
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Module Description
This course explores Berlioz's revolutionary Symphonie Fantastique and its significance in establishing program music as a major force in 19th-century classical music. Students will learn about Romantic musical style, innovative orchestration techniques, and the cultural context that shaped this groundbreaking work. Through detailed analysis and a live performance recording, participants gain deep insights into both the technical and artistic aspects of this masterpiece.
Fee Structure
Instructor

11 Courses
Prominent Scholar Advancing Musicology and Early Music Performance
Thomas Forrest Kelly is the Morton B. Knafel Professor of Music at Harvard University, specializing in performance practice, early music, and liturgical music. He earned his BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his PhD from Harvard, where he has been a faculty member since 1997. His influential works include "The Beneventan Chant," which received the Otto Kinkeldey Award from the American Musicological Society, and "Capturing Music: The Story of Notation." Kelly has also authored "Early Music: A Very Short Introduction" and "First Nights," which explores significant musical premieres throughout history. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received numerous accolades, including being named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres by the French Republic. His extensive contributions to musicology encompass research on medieval music and its performance, as well as teaching at various prestigious institutions. Through his scholarly work and active participation in the music community, Kelly continues to influence the understanding and appreciation of early music traditions.
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