Autograph musical quotation from the composer's masterpiece, the Symphonie Fantastique. Signed. Together with quotations by Roger, Adam, and Halévy
15 measures, titled and signed below the music: "Thème e Bal e La Symphonie Fantastique. H. Berlioz." Undated, but ca. 1840-1850.
The complete main theme of the second movement, "Un Bal," carried by the violins in measures 38 to 54 of the full score. 1 leaf. Notated in dark brown ink within decorative dark gold borders on Lard-Esnault paper. Oblong quarto (227 x 300 mm).
"The composition of the 'Symphonie fantastique' was a momentous event in Berlioz's career, his first full-scale masterpiece, and equally momentous in the history of music as the first unequivocal declaration of romantic ideas in style and musical language, and its echo has pervaded all music of passion and personal experience to this day ... Of Harriet Smithson's identity as the 'beloved', portrayed by an 'idée fixe' in the form of an obsessive theme that recurs in all the movements, there can be no question." MacDonald: Berlioz, p. 18.
With:
- Roger, Gustave-Hippolyte 1825-1879. Autograph musical quotation signed "G. Roger," being a 12-measure song for voice and piano commencing "d'autiens tu beau miage" to lower portion of recto.
With, to verso:
- Adam, Adolphe 1803-1856. Autograph musical quotation signed "Ad. Adam," being a 16-measure waltz for pian.
- Halévy, Fromental 1799-1862. Autograph musical quotation signed "F. Halévy," being a 22-measure work for piano titled "Suite."
A dynamic excerpt from one of the great revolutionary works of the Romantic period, constructed around a recurring "idée fixe," a concept originating with Berlioz's revolutionary Symphonie Fantastique and presenting here as a recurring theme associated with Berlioz's obsession with Irish actress Harriet Smithson.
A unique artifact incorporating a rare quotation from one of the most outstanding works of the symphonic repertoire of the Romantic period, the whole linking Berlioz with three important French musical figures of the mid-19th century.
Item #41680
Price: $7,500.00 other currencies