Grimaud and Symphonie fantastique

Two composers following in the shadow of Beethoven, each forging their own voice. Berlioz completed his revolutionary Symphonie fantastique just three years after the death of Beethoven. He used the orchestra in new and revolutionary ways to tell a semi-autobiographical story of obsessive love, hallucination, and death. Brahms, initially feeling intimidated by Beethoven, was for many years unable to complete a symphony of his own, focusing on composing serenades and piano concertos. His Second Piano Concerto is part symphony and part solo work for piano. Hélène Grimaud’s unmatched musical style brings this robust and challenging concerto to life.