Hector Berlioz

Harold in Italy, Op. 16/ H. 68 (Symphony in Four Parts with a Viola Solo)

In January 1834, the great violinist Niccolo Paganini asked Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) to write a viola concerto so that he could showcase his newly-acquired Stradivarius, though Paganini rejected the work when he saw that he would not be playing continuously. HAROLD EN ITALIE (HAROLD IN ITALY), Op. 16/ H. 68, inspired by the travels of the Byronic hero, premiered on November 23, 1834, with the Orchestre de la Societe des Concerts du Conservatoire. Chretien Urhan performed as soloist instead of Paganini under the baton of Narcisse Girard. Rather than a concerto, it is more accurately described as a symphony with viola obbligato. Hearing it at a December 1838 concert, an ecstatic Paganini pulled the composer back onto the stage and knelt to kiss his hand. Franz Liszt prepared a piano transcription with viola accompaniment of the work in 1836 as S.472. Instrumentation: 2(2nd dPicc).2(1st dEH).2.4: 4.2+2Crnt.3.1: Timp.Perc(4-5): Hp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Solo Viola.