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Hector BerliozRomantic (1830)
March to the Scaffold (Symphonie Fantastique)
Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14 (Movement IV) — A tour de force of orchestral power, low-register articulation, and synchronized brass weight without spreading.
Bass ClefG minor (2 flats)4/4 | Allegretto non troppo (♩ = 72)Audition Tier:★★★☆☆
Real-Time Slide Position Monitor · Click Any Note to Audition
Standby ReadyPosition 1
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Slide Extension: 0 cm
🎼 Interactive Sheet Music & Slide Position Strip
Click any notehead on the staff to hear pitch and inspect slide position
Click any note button or staff notehead to audition pitch and inspect slide position:
5 notes in phrase
Alternate Slide Positions & Legato Route Strategy
Leverage the F-attachment trigger: Play low F2 on Trigger 1st position (T1) or low C3 on Trigger 1st position for maximum speed and fullness.
Standard Route Travel
152 cm
Short-Slide Alt Route
54 cm
Arm Travel Saved
-98 cm (64%)
Orchestral Audition Jury Checklist
Verify each criterion during slow practice before bringing the excerpt up to concert tempo:
Imposing fortissimo tone that remains centered and core-rich
Immediate rhythmic lock with tuba and timpani
Crisp dotted rhythms without rushing the sixteenth note
Full acoustic resonance in low Bb2 and F2
Historical Context & Performance Tradition
Berlioz utilized a choir of trombones and ophicleides to paint the grim scene of the artist being dragged to the guillotine.
Era: Romantic (1830) | From: Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14 (Movement IV)
Recommended Bore, Bell & Mouthpiece Setup
Bach 42AF or Edwards T396-A with heavy mass 5G mouthpiece.
Orchestral Audition & Slide Kinematics Matrix
Measure-by-measure jury evaluation points, alternate slide routes, and conservatory audition benchmarks.
| Section & Measures | Clef & Pitch Range | Audition Jury Evaluation Focus | Alternate Slide & Acoustic Strategy | Orchestral Audition Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movement IV: March to the Scaffold (mm. 62–88) | Bass Clef · Bb1 – F4 | Dark, terrifying guillotine march sonority. Massive volume in fortissimo without metallic sound cracking. | Engage F-attachment for low Bb1 and C2; ensure slide is firmly stopped before each attack. | London Symphony & New York Philharmonic section round. |
| Movement V: Dream of a Witches' Sabbath (Dies Irae mm. 127–146) | Bass Clef · C2 – C4 | Hymn-like organ severity. Pure just-intonation fifths with tuba and bassoons. | Keep C4 in raised 3rd position (#3rd) and low C3 in 6th / Trigger 1st position; synchronize breath with off-beat church bell tolls. | Orchestral tutti blending evaluation in major international auditions. |