Symphonie fantastique:  Movement 2   -  "A ball"


             Performed by the Aurora Orchestra, Nicholas Collon & Robin Ticciati, conductors  (6:15)


                 "The artist finds himself in the most diverse situations in life, in the tumult of a 
                  festive party, in the peaceful contemplation of the beautiful sights of nature, yet
                  everywhere, whether in town or in the countryside, the beloved image keeps 
                  haunting him and throws his spirit into confusion."


          The first use of harps in a symphony. 

          This movement is a beautiful waltz.  It starts with some brooding sounds of the musician's 
          feelings, then breaks into a joyful melody that gradually changes colors throughout.  Its main 
          melody intersects with the idée fixe in numerous places, and ends with a very gentle expression 
          of it.  

          This is the beginning of the waltz's popularity.  Chopin would soon start composing his famous 
          piano waltzes.