Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Berlioz's "dramatic symphony" Roméo et Juliette is regarded by many as his finest work; it is certainly among the most original. This book summarizes the complex genesis of the work before examining the music closely and always with a view to understanding its dramatic implications. Julian Rushton quotes and discusses the early and later critical reception and concludes by suggesting a way of hearing the work that recognizes the value of its mixed genre. The complete libretto is provided in both English and French.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• 1 Introduction
• 2 The genesis of
• 3 Berlioz, Shakespeare and Garrick
• 4 Exordium: Nos 1-2 (Introduction and Prologue Romeo seul)
• 5 The heart of the matter: Nos 3-4
• 6 Tragedy and reconciliation:
• 7 A view from 1839
• 8 Performance and reception: 1839 and beyond
• 9 Afterword
• Appendices

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This volume of the "Cambridge Music Handbooks" series is an excellent analysis of Berlioz's dramatic symphony for chorus, solo voices, and orchestra. Opinions about this third symphony vary. It is usually judged the most original, the most brilliant, and the most unequal of Berlioz's works. Also the author of The Musical Language of Berlioz (CH, Oct'84), Rushton clearly discusses the question of Romeo and Juliet as a patchwork or a new form. His first three chapters examine relationships between Shakespeare's play and the musical work, with historical background. The next section analyzes musical themes, orchestration, and harmonic plan. One chapter includes an extensive review published in 1839, and others consider the performances and discuss the work's mixed genres of opera/oratorio, symphony, and program music. Rushton's discussion of the relation of "Prologue" and "Finale" to the other five movements is excellent. Appendix 1 includes translations of Berlioz's preface and his performance comments. French and English texts of the prologues and finale are in appendix 2. Highly recommended for all collections as an insightful guide to this complex work.