80. Life’s still a rollercoaster baby – Tchaikovsky, Symphony No.4 [Part 2/2]
Battered, bruised but not broken, Tchaikovsky’s emotional rollercoaster ride continues… Does this ride finish with squeals of terror or delight? [34 mins]… Listen
79. Life’s a rollercoaster: Tchaikovsky, Symphony No.4 [Part 1/2]
The song goes that life is a rollercoaster, baby, and few can give us all the emotional ups and downs as well as Tchaikovsky. The first part of this ride is stormy, turbulent, passionate and full of loss and yearning, as Tchaikovsky is battered by what fate and life throws at him. As the other song [almost] goes: He gets knocked down, but he gets up again! Listening time: 31 mins… Listen
66. Escape to the country? Berlioz – Fantastic Symphony, Pt2
Composer Hector Berlioz’s love-struck young artist – in his drug induced dreams – escapes to the country. In the peaceful atmosphere he dreams of love and happiness – but can it last? Listening time: 22 mins… Listen
65. Can’t get her out of my head: Berlioz – Fantastic Symphony Pt1
Driven to distraction and to drugs by a woman he’d never even spoken to, Hector Berlioz was consumed with passion. His obsession and fevered mind produced the unique, Symphony Fantastique. It’s brilliant, dramatic, original and gets three episodes of Cacophony! Listening time: 31 mins (into 9.5′; music 21′)… Listen
64. An Equal Music? France’s first great woman composer – Louise Farrenc, Symphony No. 3
This is a rarity on two counts – it’s a really good French symphony from the 1800s, and it’s written by a woman! The brilliant, Symphony No.3 by Louise Farrenc. 43 mins… Listen