The brilliant French composer, writer and conductor Hector Berlioz (1803–69) is often labelled a maverick, his music described as wayward. Characterisations such as these suggest nonconformity to expected types, a situation that prevents proper appraisal of both the artist and his work on their own merits. Marking the 220th anniversary of Berlioz’s birth, the six lectures in the present series provide an overview of his compositions, address along the way difficulties posed by his idiosyncratic style and conflation of genres, and thus aid the listener in appreciating this intensely passionate music for its uncompromisingly truthful expression of life and feeling.
(Conducted in Cantonese)
Lecture 1: Berlioz: “Episode in the Life of an Artist” (13/12)
Introduction to the composer and the characteristics of his music as shown in the wildly popular Symphonie fantastique and its little-known sequel
Lecture 2: Berlioz’s Other Symphonies (27/12)
Symphonies concertante, choral and ceremonial, driven by Byron, Shakespeare and — the government
Lecture 3: Berlioz’s Songs (3/1)
The French song elevated, from the traditional romance to the major genre of the refined mélodie
Lecture 4: Berlioz’s Secular Choral Music (10/1)
Works for chorus, from songs to cantatas to a large-scale “dramatic legend” inspired by Goethe
Lecture 5: Berlioz’s Operas (24/1)
Theatrical inspirations from Shakespeare, Vergil, as well as “certain episodes in the life of” another artist
Lecture 6: Berlioz’s Religious Music (31/1)
Three Latin works and a “sacred trilogy”, ranging from the gently affecting to the awe-inspiring
Information provided by the speaker.
Each lecture will run for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute speaker.
Speaker: Ernest Wan
Ernest Wan focused his studies on music theory and analysis at the City University of New York and the University of British Columbia. He is currently a culture and arts writer, translator and editor who specialises in music criticism. His writings, in English and Chinese, for many performing arts and other cultural organisations have appeared in various publications and on web sites. Wan provides programme annotations for concerts as well as delivers pre-concert talks, and has produced and presented radio programmes on the arts. A collector of historical recordings of Western classical music, he maintains a discography of the legendary conductor Hermann Scherchen.
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Tickets available from 9 November at all URBTIX outlets, self-service ticketing kiosks, on internet, by mobile app and telephone.
Half-price tickets available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first come, first served basis).
Package Discount
For each purchase of standard tickets, the following concession applies:
10% off for any 2 lectures, 15 % off for any 3 lectures, 20% off for any 4 lectures or more.
Group Booking Discount
For each purchase of standard tickets, the following concession applies:
10% off for 4-9 tickets, 15% off for 10-19 tickets, 20% off for 20 or more tickets.
Patrons can enjoy only one of the above discount offers.
Programme Enquiries: 2268 7321
Ticketing Enquiries and Customer Service: 3166 1100
Telephone Booking: 3166 1288
Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk
Mobile App: URBTIX
13.12.2023 (Wed) 19:30
$60
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