Idée fixe is a musical term that refers to a recurring theme or motif that represents a specific idea or character within a composition. In the context of Berlioz's 'Symphonie Fantastique', this term is crucial as it embodies the protagonist's obsessive love for a woman, manifesting throughout the symphony and tying together its various movements. This concept is a pioneering example of programmatic music, where the music narrates a story or conveys a deeper meaning beyond just sound.
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