program notes by composition > H > Hungarian March (Rákóczy March)

Hungarian March (Rákóczy March)

Hector Berlioz/trans. Clark McAlister/ed. Alfred Reed

Hungarian March (Rákóczy March) is a familiar orchestral selection from The Damnation of Faust by Berlioz. Inspired by Goethe’s famous dramatic poem, the musical work was composed in an oratorio/opera form which Berlioz ultimately called a "légende dramatique."

Hector Berlioz (1803–1869) was an influential French Romantic composer. He is perhaps best known for Symphonie Fantastique and Requiem . Unlike some of his famous peers, Berlioz was not a child prodigy. He initially followed his father’s career in medicine then switched to music where he enjoyed a long, productive career.

Last updated on April 17, 2015 by Palatine Concert Band