Question

Listen to the recording of Symphonie Fantastique, by Berlioz and answer the following questions: What is the "Dies irae," and what does it represent in music? How does that fit the story of this symphony? What is the mood of this fifth movement and how does it fit into the story of the symphony? If you were going to describe this song to a friend, what would you say?

Answer 1

The 'Dies irae' is a medieval plainchant melody used in Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique to represent the protagonist's fear and impending doom.

The fifth movement of the symphony has a dark and eerie mood, reflecting the protagonist's descent into madness.

The overall symphony tells a story of love, obsession, and madness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 'Dies irae' is a Latin hymn meaning 'Day of Wrath.' It is a medieval plainchant melody that has been used by many composers in classical music.

In Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, the 'Dies irae' represents the protagonist's obsession with his beloved, as it symbolizes his fear and impending doom.

In the fifth movement of the symphony, the mood is dark and eerie. It represents the protagonist's descent into madness and the hallucinations he experiences. The 'Dies irae' is incorporated in this movement, emphasizing the protagonist's fearful state of mind.

If I were to describe this song to a friend, I would say it is a dramatic symphony that tells a story of love, obsession, and madness.

It contains intense and haunting melodies, particularly in the fifth movement, which creates a chilling atmosphere.