Posted by jon fowler on February 18, 2004 at 15:34:57:
If anyone would like to help me brainstorm a few ideas concerning the following I would greatly appreciate it...
I am working on a performance practice topic having to do with the ophicleide. More specifically, I am reseacrhing Berlioz's use of the instrument in Symphony Fantastique. Even more specifically this topic cannot dwell on "What is an Oph?"..that is to say, this cannot be an orchestration paper. What I am digging at is how the French associated the instrument with sacred music/plainchant in the 19th century and how that relates to the performance of the Dies Irae...accents etc.
Does this make sense?
Interesting anecdotes and possible sources would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks