Brigid Cohen

Berlioz Practice Quiz

1. Name four ways in which aspects of a narrative program can be conveyed musically. Be as specific as possible.

2. Who conducted the premiere of the Symphonie Fantastique? What orchestra performed? Where was it premiered and in what year?

3. Describe four innovations that Berlioz makes in symphonic orchestration and texture.

4. Name three important women in Berlioz’s life.

5. How is the ideé fixe used in the Symphonie Fantastique? What are its musical characteristics?

6. Describe the program associated with the fourth and fifth movements of the Symphonie Fantastique.

7. Who was director of the Paris Conservatoire in 1930?

Listening Questions

Listening Example 1

8. Where does this occur in the Symphonie Fantastique? Be as specific as possible.

9. How would you describe its texture and instrumentation?

10. How is this melodic material transformed from its first appearance?

11. What happens next in the piece?

Listening Example 2

12. Where does this excerpt take place in the work? Be as specific as possible.

13. What is the origin of this melody?

14. The excerpt begins with long notes played on what instruments?

15. What happens to this melody later in the excerpt?

16. What happens next in the work?