March to the Scaffold Paul Jacobson

March to the Scaffold Paul JacobsonHector Berlioz wrote his "Symphonie Fantastique" in 1830, which tells the story of various episodes in the life of a troubled artist who poisons himself with opium. He is searching for true love, and the theme representing this love appears in all five movements. In "March to the Scaffold", the artist has a terrible dream that he has killed his true love and is condemned to death by execution. The March alternates the sound of heavy footsteps with

the title refers to caskets

"Autumn Vows" was written in the keys of G and C

The first variation shows off the cellos and basses

The pieces used in this arrangement include a minuet by Wolfgang composed in Salzburg

so this very original work would be a perfectly ghoulish addition to a Halloween concert

the inspiration came from the big hair bands

From a plaintive and prayerful opening in solo violin

and is played pizzicato in its entirety

Although chilly

French composer Maurice Ravel made an orchestra version which has become standard in every professional orchestra's repertoire

4th Movement) with the Christmas carol "Joy to the World"

will add a zestful sparkle to any string program