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Hector Berlioz’s “L’Enfance du Christ” (The Childhood of Christ) is an oratorio composed between 1853 and 1854. The work is divided into three parts and tells the story of the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt to escape the massacre of infants ordered by King Herod.
The oratorio consists of the following parts:
- Herod’s Dream (Le Songe d’Hérode): This part begins with King Herod having a disturbing dream about a threat to his throne. The wise men advise him to search for the newborn king.
- The Flight into Egypt (La Fuite en Egypte): This part depicts the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt to escape Herod’s decree. It includes a pastoral scene with a “Shepherd’s Farewell” (“L’adieu des bergers”), which is often performed as a separate piece.
- The Arrival at Saïs (L’Arrivée à Saïs): The final part portrays the Holy Family’s arrival in the Egyptian town of Saïs, where they find refuge.
The skill level required to play Berlioz’s “L’Enfance du Christ” on the piano is advanced to virtuosic. This piece demands technical proficiency, a keen musical ear, and the ability to convey the narrative through expressive playing. Pianists attempting this work should be comfortable with intricate hand coordination, complex polyphony, and have a nuanced touch to bring out the various colors and emotions embedded in the composition.
