Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique, 2nd Movement: Un Bal (A Ball)

The second movement of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique describes the hero at a sumptuous 19th century ball. The music captures the elegance and superficiality of such an event. There he sees his beloved and is overcome, but soon regains his composure.
This second movement is basically in Rondo form.
For a full analysis of The Symphony Fantastique by Stephen Johnson at the BBC's Discovering music, go to:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/discoveringmusic/pip/kv4qd

Credits:
The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Yan Pacal Tortelier

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Berlioz
• Symphonie
• Fantastique
• second
• movement
• Un
• Bal
• Ball
• Allegro
• Valse
• non
• troppo

[flootloops]

Fantastic! Btw, the harps play arpeggios at the beginning, not glissandos. :)

[corksmusic1]

@flootloops Absolutely right - arpeggios not glissandos - my mistake

[KiyoKenshin]

This may well be my absolute favorite piece of classical music, and not to mention my favorite waltz! :D However, I was a bit irked over the fact that a waltz, of all things, would be considered vulgar! xP But I suppose it would make more sense to employ it in a theatrical manner than symphonic. ;P

[greekmythgurl]

I'm having a ball for my sweet 16 in November, and I'm playing this there(:

[jonjo12321]

Few people understand the brilliance behind music like this. (I am not one of them)

[Epic4ever]

Excited to see the next three vids! I love music analysis.