Incredibly ahead of his time, Berlioz was the consummate romantic, who actually wrote an entire symphony in order the gain the favor of a woman with whom he was infatuated.  His opera Benvenuto Cellini is based on the life of Florentine goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini, who lived a turbulent and extravagant life.  The opera is very rarely performed today, but the exuberant overture quickly took on a life of its own as a piece of concert music.

The young English composer was just beginning his career, and this was his first major triumph.  Written in Italy where his lived most of his life, he was only 27 at the time and it shows a wide interplay of moods – warm, wistful, edgy, passionate, and finally resigned.  This piece is one of the most famous and successful concerti written for the viola.

He died insane at a very young age, but his music is perfectly sane, as it sweeps us along on a joyous journey in the Rhineland countryside.  Written in five highly contrasting movements, it’s a tremendous showcase for the virtuoso orchestra, full of lively tunes, high energy, and optimism.