Tonight's Euro Classic: Berlioz

Posted at 2:44 AM on August 4, 2010 by Ward Jacobson
Filed under: Programs

Hector Berlioz composed three operas. Benvenuto Cellini was the first, loosely based on the memoirs of the Florentine sculptor of the same name. The opera failed at the Paris Opera (in 1838) and was a major setback in the composer's career. Technically, the opera is very challenging and it's rarely if ever performed today. But the Overture is a different matter. Tonight's Euro Classic (12:05am CDT, Thursday) is a performance recorded live in October, 2008, featuring the Spanish Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra. Here's a video primer.