Symphonie Fantastique Analysis

What instrumental group performs Symphonie fantastique?

Which of the following best describes the melodic contour of Theme A in March to the Scaffold?

What instrument plays a countermelody in the first appearance of Theme A?

What instruments play Theme A when you hear it a third time?

What happens in Theme B that is different from Theme A?

Which theme do you hear in the excerpt from Berlioz, Symphonie fantastique, IV, 0:06?

What best describes the next passage of music heard at 0:01?

What is the solo instrument at the end of the piece that plays the 'fixed idea' softly?

How does Berlioz use music to describe the action of the guillotine blade dropping?

Match the descriptive words or phrases with the different elements of music as found in Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, IV.

The idée fixe from Symphonie fantastique represents the artist's beloved.

Listen to the following music excerpts and describe the highlighted sections?

Which of the following statements correctly describe Berlioz's March to the Scaffold?

Drag and drop the appropriate words to describe the fourth movement of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique.

Instrumentation and Themes

Symphonie fantastique is performed by an orchestra.
Theme A in "March to the Scaffold" has a descending melodic contour.
The bassoon plays a countermelody during the initial appearance of Theme A.
When Theme A reappears a third time, it is played by the strings.

Theme Characteristics

Theme B, which contrasts Theme A, is executed loudly by brass and woodwinds following Theme A played in pizzicato strings.
The excerpt heard at 0:06 features Theme A, while the passage described at 0:01 features Theme B.

Musical Elements and Ending

The concluding passage showcases a loud section played by brass, followed by the "fixed idea" played softly on the clarinet.
The music depicts the guillotine action through a sequence of one loud chord followed by two softer notes in low strings.

Structural and Descriptive Analysis

The form of the piece is described as sonata-like with two main themes.
The piece employs a duple meter and features sudden dynamic changes.

Symbolism and Programmatic Elements

The idée fixe symbolizes the artist's beloved, confirming its thematic importance.
Key characteristics of "March to the Scaffold" include featuring the idée fixe primarily at the end, prominent timpani, and its programmatic nature.

Movement Summary

The fourth movement is structured around two main themes: a descending minor scale in the low strings and a diabolical march tune played by brass and woodwinds.
The clarinet provides the last recollection of the beloved when the idée fixe subsequently appears just before the finale.

Explore the instrumentation, themes, and structural elements of Berlioz's 'Symphonie Fantastique'. This quiz examines the contrasting themes, orchestration, and musical techniques used throughout the piece, including thematic development and orchestral textures. Test your knowledge on the unique characteristics that define this iconic composition.