When it premiered in 1830, Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique astounded musicians and audiences alike with its innovative instrumentation, form and exploration of extra-musical plot. In this Orchestral Excerpt Insight, CSO Assistant Principal Clarinet and E-flat Clarinet John Bruce Yeh demonstrates one of the symphony’s most memorable elements – the E-flat clarinet solo depicting a witches’ sabbath. When performing this excerpt, Yeh’s primary focus is on conveying the character to the audience. “In order to create this picture of the witch,” says Yeh, “you have to pay very close attention to the rhythm, articulation and dynamics.”