I know but the Harold in Italy is rarely played and for Romeo and Juliet, Tchikovsky or Prokofiev versions are played and well known way more than Berlioz.
Did you intend to write ‘not as iconic as his 8th’? His 8th is better innit? ![]()
I assume you’ve sung the Cantique de Jean Racine? It’s a nice little work. I remember playing the piano part before my studies and I found it quite difficult and once I played it after my studies I thought that it was pretty simple
it was a nice checkup for me how you can grow by studying. It’s like climbing a mountain and looking backwards and observe the progress made.
These are just the recordings of his symphonic works.
I think the definition of one-hit wonders is if they had never written that one particular work they would be forgotten (or all but forgotten).
Paul Dukas – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Leoncavallo and arguably Mascagni
You’re probably right in terms of fame. I may not be typical because I listen to both Harold en Italie and Les Nuits d’été quite often. Especially these two:
Claude
Perhaps but 9th by far is most popular and catchy! Even John Williams stole the Jaws intro from its final movement!
yeah well. If Berlioz has never written the Symphony Fantastique noone remembers him probably. ( aside from classical music geeks )
Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue
He’s fully established in popular music along with Ira but for classical genre, Rhapsody is pretty much the only home run.
Come on - “An American in Paris,” “Porgy and Bess.” The latter includes the most frequently recorded song of all time.
To say nothing of his contributions to popular song.
er.. those programs are not classical. He made a huge contribution to the American popular music back then. I am not denying that.
Ferde Grofé - Grand Canion Suites
Ooh…now we’re getting into the realm of “what is classical music” which is a biiigggg can of worms!
I’d also add Albinoni Adagio into the discussion
Bruch - Violin Concerto No.1
“Porgy and Bess” is an opera.
“An American in Paris” is a tone poem.
I mentioned the popular music in passing.
Well I am in a camp that do not consider film/stage music as classical music.
Noone would remember American in Paris if it was not for the film made in the 50s with Gene Kelly.
and. yes it gets played in a concert hall along with E.T. and Star Wars themes.
Porgy and Bess is more Jazz than classical to me.
Gershwin composed “An American in Paris” in 1928. It was performed that year in Carnegie Hall. The movie was released in 1951.
I can’t help it if you don’t understand the nature of “Porgy and Bess,” but I will point out it’s performed by opera companies throughout the world.
And at this point I am signing off on this thread.
I undersstand Porgy and Bess perfectly. It is an opera and played in the opera house today but still I do not see it categorically as classical music. It is bordering popular music rather than pure classical. I know many of the popular tunes from it. Now they are jazz standards.


