‘If I were threatened with the burning of all my works except one, it is for the Requiem that I would beg for mercy’. H. Berlioz
All you ever wanted to know about Berlioz and a little bit more.
Join one of the UK’s leading music journalists on a foray into the innermost workings of the unconventional, egotistical Frenchman who composed this monumental work. Stephen Johnson is the presenter for Radio 3’s Discovering Music.
‘SJ really knows his stuff and everything he puts together is immaculately researched and interesting. Very much 'Old School' Radio 3 and thank goodness he is still around...’
‘I would like to write a short note to express my appreciation of your Discovering Music program. I have tried several times over the years to 'get into' classical music but have always struggled. I finally realised that I had to sit and listen to it, rather than having it on in the background.
‘Once I started really listening to it, I began to enjoy it, but I didn't understand it. I found that reading a little about the piece helped but I was usually overwhelmed by terminology and unsure of what it was I was suppose to be listening out for. I then came across your show, and what a revelation it was. The background you provide, coupled with description, analysis and helpful metaphors, illustrated with live examples, has transformed my listening.’
Neal Johnson
Access: please note that the Parliament Room is lovely but is part of an ancient building. It has no lift and is accessed via 2 short flights of stairs.