- Radio Times
- Review by:
- Patrick Mulkern
“Beethoven was a revolutionary and idealist, Berlioz an iconoclast and visionary,” says our exuberant host, Simon Russell Beale, as he imbues historical events and the achievements of the great composers with a refreshing sense of occasion and drama. Beethoven enthusiast (and broadcaster) John Suchet, composer Robert Saxton and conductor Mark Elder are on hand to analyse the geniuses at work, and we learn how their later symphonies inspired Schubert and Liszt.
This excellent series should leave you with the conviction that there’s nothing fusty about classical music.
About this programme
2/4. Simon Russell Beale charts how classical music evolved in the first half of the 19th century. He explains why the impact of Beethoven's final symphonies can still be felt today, delves into the life and early death of Franz Schubert, discovers how Hector Berlioz helped shape the modern orchestra and visits the German palace where Franz Liszt developed the symphonic poem. With contributions by John Suchet, Emma Fielding, Anne Dudley and Robert Saxton, and performances by the Halle Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conducted by Mark Elder.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Presenter
- Simon Russell Beale
- Contributor
- John Suchet
- Contributor
- Emma Fielding
- Contributor
- Anne Dudley
- Contributor
- Robert Saxton
Crew
- Director
- Andy King-Dabbs
- Producer
- Andy King-Dabbs
- Series Producer
- Helen Mansfield
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