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- Berlioz, Hector
Duration: 9 minutes
Description: WAVERLEY OVERTURE, Op. 1bis / H. 26 (GRANDE OUVERTURE DE WAVERLY) was composed in 1827–1828 by Hector Berlioz (1803–1869) and stands as his earliest surviving orchestral work, inspired by the historical novels of Sir Walter Scott—particularly Waverley, whose romanticized vision of Scotland captured the imagination of early 19th-century Europe. Written while Berlioz was still a student at the Paris Conservatoire, the overture already reveals some of the qualities that would later define his mature style. The work received its premiere on May 26, 1828, at the Paris Conservatoire under the composer’s direction, marking Berlioz’s first public orchestral success. Although later overshadowed by his more radical symphonic works, WAVERLEY OVERTURE remains an important entry in the orchestral repertoire today, valued both as a concert opener and as a revealing glimpse into the early development of one of the 19th century’s most original musical voices. Instrumentation: 2(2nd dPicc).2.2.4(playable with 2 Bsns): 4.3.3.1: Timp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.