Hector Berlioz

Hector Berlioz Berlioz was born in 1803 near Lyon, France. His father was a physician. Berlioz began his music studies at the age of twelve, learning to play the guitar and flute, but not piano. He went to Paris to study medicine, but eventually lost interest and began to pursue a career in music. In 1826, he began his studies at the Paris Conservatoire. He fell under the spell of Beethoven’s music. In 1830, after three failed attempts, he was finally awarded the Prix de Rome. The same year, his career launched with the premiere of Symphonie fantastique. The inspiration of for .this piece was Harriet Smithson, an actress, whom he later married in 1833.
Berlioz enjoyed a successful career as a conductor, garnishing international success in England, Germany, and Russia. Some of his major works as an author, writer, and critic are Treatise on Modern Instrmentation and Orchestra, and the autobiography, Memoires. He was awarded the prestigious Legion d’honneur in recognition for his accomplishments. In 1844, Berlioz’s marriage to Smithson ended. Ten years later, following her death, he married Recio, a singer. In 1869, he passed away and was buried with both wives. As a non-pianist, Berlioz had the luxury of exploring orchestral writing on his own terms, unrestricted by pianistic conventions. He was highly individual and had an original approach to orchestration, expanding its size and make-up. He was influenced by Shakespeare, Goethe, and Victor Hugo. Programmatic writing is evident program symphonies and concert overtures. He also advocated “Music of the Future” with Wagner and Liszt. Some of Berlioz’s symphonies include Symphonie fantastique, Harold in Italy, and Romeo and Juliet. He also wrote concert overtures including King Lear as well as the song cycle Les nuits d’ete. His operas include Les Troyens, Beatrice et Benedict, and Benvenuto Cellini. His choral works include La damnation de Faust and Requiem. He also composed the oratorio, L’enfance du