Idée Fixe

A term used by HECTOR BERLIOZ to describe the recurrent theme of his SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE, which occurs in every movement of the work. With it he intended to portray the Shakespearian actress Miss Smithson, with whom he was in love. Actually, he made use of the same theme in a piece composed before he ever beheld Miss Smithson on the stage!

See also LEITMOTIV.