We all need stories. Stories captivate us as children, imparting life lessons, morality, discovery, and invigorate creativity and imagination.
As adults, stories inform us, shape how we view the world, tell us what’s important, they bring other places to life and ask us to explore our humanity.
It should come as no surprise that the same is true about our favorite pieces of music. Each has its own unique origin, and knowing the emotion and energy that went into the melody’s creation brings it to life in new and exciting ways. Martha Gilmer, vice president of artistic planning and audience development at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, advocates this philosophy.
In the 2013 winter edition of Symphony, the League of American Orchestras magazine, Gilmer wrote a compelling article about the importance of enhancing the concert experience by bringing stories about music to the audience.
“While human beings like comfort at times, there is no question that they also thrive in the excitement and uncertainty inherent in drama," she wrote.
Gilmer takes this into consideration whenever she selects music for concerts or broadcasts and suggests others do the same.
“Programmers must provide a connection and context to the drama of the program," she wrote.
Although not every piece of music is as dramatic as the other, the mindset of the composer always adds extra depth to listener’s experience.
A perfect example is Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique,” a piece he wrote inspired by his unrequited love of Irish actress Harriet Smithson. Berlioz became lovesick after seeing her as Ophelia in a production of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” His numerous love letters to Smithson went unanswered.
As he became the subject of his own musical fantasy, Berlioz described poisoning himself with opium and dropping into the depths of despair because of hopeless love. Unlike most composers, Berlioz helps us understand his artistry with detailed descriptions of the musical action in each of the five movements.
“Symphonie Fantastique” is one of the most frequently performed works in the symphonic repertoire, and is played in concert halls worldwide. Its quirkiness, romantic interludes, the march, the tolling of bells, and frenzied finale are enjoyable even without knowledge of its context.
However, the piece is a far more powerful experience with Berlioz’ story in mind.
Composers are inspired by the full experience of life, ranging from the beauty of nature, human conflict and war, love, the abstract, and theoretical musical concepts. Some composers pay homage to the dramas of the past and present, while others create music about their personal pleasures and crises.
Unfortunately, with most music, the enrichment history and perspective add is lost to listeners unless presenters take the time to dispel the mystery behind the melody. Gilmer strives to do just that by using the power of stories to bring her selections to the next level and to better engage audiences.
Postscript: Harriet Smithson heard "Symphonie Fantastique" in 1832, and recognizing Berlioz’ genius, agreed to meet him. They were married a year later. The marriage failed.
