Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique Movement Analysis

Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique movement V Hector Berlioz, born on December 11th 1803 in Saint-André, France, was a renowned composer of romantic music. Berlioz was educated by his father who was a reputable physician. His father, Louis Berlioz also gave him music lessons when he was young but he was not well-trained until later in life. Berlioz was not a virtuoso, but he taught himself some musical techniques. Louis wanted his son to study medicine like he did. Hector Berlioz studied medicine in Paris and earned a degree in science in 1821 (Encyclopedia Britannica, Hector Berlioz). After earning his degree, Berlioz decided to study at the Paris Conservatory against his parent’s wishes. Berlioz’s love for writing allowed him to express his personal views and incorporate them into his musical compositions.
Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique movement V contains cultural and musical elements that are clear and accurate representations of Romantic era music. Berlioz’s symphony clearly aligns with elements of Romantic music through the effective use of contrasting pianissimo and fortissimo dynamics, dissonance, modern orchestra, and sudden rhythm changes.
In the Romantic era of music spanning from 1825-1900, music was meant to evoke emotions in the listeners and contained dramatic dynamic contrast and rhythms. Music in the romantic era involved the modern orchestra which included brass instruments and valves. These brass instruments and instruments with valves were utilized in romantic era music because this time period of music coincided with the Industrial