Berlioz, Hector - Un Bal

“Un Bal” is the indelible waltz movement from the pivotal, romantic-era work Symphonie fantastique by Hector Berlioz. It is arranged here featuring both the distinctive obbligato cornet solo, rarely included in orchestral performances, and the beautiful cantabile melodies shared by the strings and winds. The obbligato solo was written as an afterthought in Berlioz’ score and was first performed and perhaps intended for a special concert at the Théâtre-Italien Paris in May of 1844. The obbligato solo was likely premiered by Berlioz’ favorite cornet player Jean-Baptiste Arban, best known today for his essential trumpet method and popular theme and variation pieces for cornet. The present arrangement of “Un Bal” is transposed up a half step from the original key of A major, thus making it more accessible for the Bb cornet or trumpet.