Symphonie fantastique, H 48
Hector Berlioz
Work background
Researched classical background
Berlioz organized this five-movement symphony around a written story of an artist's obsession and increasingly disturbing visions. A recurring melody represents the beloved and changes character with each situation. Ballroom music, a pastoral scene, a march, and a grotesque final gathering become parts of one dramatic sequence. The work's changing orchestration is central to the storytelling, not simply decorative color.
Inspiration and creative background
Berlioz supplied a program about an artist and his beloved; his infatuation with Harriet Smithson is part of the documented biographical background.
Symphonie fantastique - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Track the recurring beloved's melody and compare its first appearance with its distorted return near the end.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Large orchestra
Composition: 1830 (first version)
Berlioz subsequently revised the score; 1830 identifies its initial composition and premiere year.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Date, title and version notes
The published program is a constructed dramatic narrative, not a literal diary of events.
Symphonie fantastique - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphonie fantastique - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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