Berlioz, Roméo et Juliette /

This volume of the "Cambridge Music Handbooks" series is an excellent analysis of Berlioz's dramatic symphony for chorus, solo voices, and orchestra. Opinions about this third symphony vary. It is usually judged the most original, the most brilliant, and the most unequal of Berlioz's works. Also the author of The Musical Language of Berlioz (CH, Oct'84), Rushton clearly discusses the question of Romeo and Juliet as a patchwork or a new form. His first three chapters examine relationships between Shakespeare's play and the musical work, with historical background. The next section analyzes musical themes, orchestration, and harmonic plan. One chapter includes an extensive review published in 1839, and others consider the performances and discuss the work's mixed genres of opera/oratorio, symphony, and program music. Rushton's discussion of the relation of "Prologue" and "Finale" to the other five movements is excellent. Appendix 1 includes translations of Berlioz's preface and his performance comments. French and English texts of the prologues and finale are in appendix 2. Highly recommended for all collections as an insightful guide to this complex work. K. Thomerson; Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville