Michael Tilson Thomas searches for the inspirations of Berlioz and his music, from his roots in the French Alps to the theater in Paris where the Symphonie fantastique premiered.

With Symphonie fantastique , Hector Berlioz confessed his unique artistic vision. It was a symphonic love letter - part psychological self-portrait, part fantasy about the life of an artist - and it expressed his passion for a beautiful woman. Michael Tilson Thomas searches for the inspirations of Berlioz and his music, from his roots in the French Alps to the theater in Paris where the work was premiered, and reveals the musical secrets of this great romantic symphony.