Symphony: In Vienna Simon reveals the story of the later symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven and traces their profound impact over the past two centuries. And he learns more about Franz Schubert, whose two greatest symphonies were only discovered after his tragic early death. Simon then travels to Paris, where the obsessive romantic Hector Berlioz had to virtually invent the modern orchestra in order to play the works he heard in his head. And in Weimar in Germany he visits the sumptuous palace where the flamboyant Franz Liszt was to develop his own unique take – the symphonic poem. Contributors include broadcaster John Suchet, actor Emma Fielding and composers Anne Dudley and Robert Saxton. The music is conducted by Sir Mark Elder and specially performed by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Hallé.

Starring:

Genre:

Documentary