BERLIOZ CONTRE LES GROTESQUES
Quintette Moraguès
SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2026
5:00 PM — Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Salle Garnier
CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
Berlioz against the Grotesques
A concert-reading of musical and literary works by Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)
85 min
Excerpts, transcribed by David Walter, from the Symphonie fantastique, L’Enfance du Christ, Carnaval romain, La Damnation de Faust, and Nuits d’été
Readings:
1. The bass drum
2. The opera hall and percussion instruments
3. The power of the conductor
4. Reception of Beethoven
5. Faithfulness to the work
6. The illness of isolation
7. The grotesques of music
Michel Moraguès, flute
David Walter, oboe
Pascal Moraguès, clarinet
Pierre Moraguès, horn
Giorgio Mandolesi, bassoon
Dorian Astor, playwright
Claire Désert, piano
Without intermission
In partnership with the SMEG
In this candlelight concert-reading, playwright Dorian Astor uncovers the hidden face of Hector Berlioz: drawing from the many texts written by the composer, he ushers us into the creative jubilation of the artist, as well as his struggles, his grandeur, and his ferocious humour. Weaving the music with the composer's own words, Quintette Moraguès and pianist Claire Désert unfold a journey across Berlioz masterpieces, such as the Symphonie fantastique, Nuits d'été, La Damnation de Faust and L'Enfance du Christ. Concert preceded by a backstage immersion for all audiences at 3:00 PM with Tristan Labouret, musicologist.
Limited availability, booking is mandatory: printempsdesarts.mc