Autobiography and hallucination merge in Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique, a sort of aural vision quest for art and love. Berlioz said that he composed the “March to the Scaffold” in a single fevered night, but struggled with other portions for months. In the end, he produced a monument of the symphonic repertory. (He got the girl, too, marrying the British actress who inspired the piece.)

Come for:

The Tovey take on this orchestrally extravagant epic, which has become a signature piece for the LA Phil in recent seasons.

And more:

LA Phil Principal Concertmaster Martin Chalifour illuminates the brilliant Glazunov Concerto.