Inspired by Byron's Childe Harold, Hector Berlioz's 'Harold in Italy' imagines a solo viola as a melancholy dreamer, journeying through the Abruzzi region of Italy and always at odds with the orchestra.
Childe Harold's Pilgrimage by JMW Turner Photo: Tate Images / Tate Images
'Harold in Italy' is in four parts:
- Adagio: Harold in the mountains. Scenes of melancholy, happiness and joy
- Allegretto: March of the pilgrims singing the evening prayer
- Allegro Assai: Serenade of an Abruzzi Mountain Dweller to his mistress
- Allegro Frenetico: Orgy of brigands. Memories of scenes past
Antoine Tamestit Photo: RNZ/David McCaw
Antoine Tamestit plays a Stradivarius viola.
Recorded 6 October 2017, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert.
Producer: David McCaw
Engineer: Darryl Stack
Check out RNZ Concert's Viola Collection
