fantastique

Fantastique is a comic piece making fun of Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz. For the record, I actually like the parts of Symphonie Fantastique to a point. The 2nd and 4th movements work very well, and the “March of the Scaffold” has its place in the repertoire for good reason. 

Once I hear the Dies Irae in a composition, I must admit I’m done listening. Granted, the quote was used with greater ingenuity by Rachmaninoff in the Symphonic Dances and lesser ingenuity by Daugherty in the Metropolis Symphony. That being said, the way it is used in Symphonie Fantastique as the accompaniment to a demon orgy is worthy of derision. In the words of Rossini after hearing the Berlioz, “It’s good this isn’t considered actual music.” 

Fantastique is lovingly dedicated to my friend and mentor, Carter Pann, whose legendary wit and charm inspired its creation.

GRADE 4-5

Instrumentation: Picc., 2 Fl., 2 Ob., 3 Cl., Bs. Cl., Bsn., 2 Alt. Sx., Ten. Sx., Bar. Sx., 3 Tpt., 4 Hn., 2 Tbn., Bs. Tbn., Euph., Tba., Timp., 5 Perc.