Rob Roy: The Scottish Robin Hood [Alf:36-50200056]

Hector Berlioz wrote Rob Roy, or more properly, Intrata di Rob-Roy MacGregor, based on historical fiction by Walter Scott. Berlioz conceived and wrote this overture during his time in Italy after winning the Prix de Rome. The first performance in 1833 yielded a lukewarm reception. Berlioz later wrote, "Rob Roy overture, a long and diffuse piece, which was performed in Paris a year later [two years, in fact], very badly received by the public, and which I burnt that same day after leaving the concert." Fortunately, a copy survived, which Berlioz submitted to the Paris Conservatory as a requirement of the Prix de Rome. This arrangement of Rob Roy distills the greatest of the melodies and gives shape to the form. (4:00)