Biography and Chief Works of 

Hector Berlioz  

1803.

Born in a small town near Grenoble, in S.E. France. Son of a doctor, who gave him a good education and intended him, to be a doctor, too.

1821.

Sent to Paris for medical studies, but neglected, them and went to hear Gluck's operas instead.  Romantic and emotional nature.  Gave UP medicine and started to study music at Paris Conservatoire, in spite of parental opposition.  

1825.

Had a mass performed, requiring an orchestra of 150 players.

1827.

Competed for Prix de Rome - an annual scholarship entitling the winner to live for four years in Rome) studying and doing creative work.  Given for five arts, including music.  But failed to obtain it.  Heard Irish actress, Henrietta Smithson, in Shakespearean roles, and fell in love with her.  Wrote scenes from 'Faust', which he dedicated to her, but she ignored him.

1829-1830.

Wrote his 'Fantastic symphony’ ("an episode in the life of an artist”) in 5 movements, a dream of a poet crossed in love who has taken poison.  Everyone in Paris knew it referred to Henrietta Smithson, and was meant to discredit her.  He used one theme to represent her throughout, which he called l’ idée fixe. Highly romantic, the first intrusion of a cornposer’s private life into his work.  Successfully performed in Paris. Obtained Prix de Rome at 5th attempt, and went to Rome.

1832.

Returned to Paris, without completing his four years in Rome.  The 'Fantastic symphony' given again.  Henrietta Smithson invited to the performance.  Few days later they met for the first time; they married in 1833, in spite of parental opposition.  Had a son, but happiness did not last.

1834.

'Harold in Italy', a programmatic symphony in 4 movements, with a solo viola part, intended for Paganini, who never played it.  

Again made use of l' idée fixe.

1835.

Had already done much journalistic music criticism.  Now appointed permanent music critic to "Journal des Débats".  Continued with music criticism for 30 years.

1837.

Requiem composed and performed at a military ceremony, with hundreds of voices, a large orchestra, and 4 brass bands. Not a traditional mass, but a terrifying drama.

1838.

His first opera 'Benvenuto Cellini' produced in Paris, amid storms of disapproval.  Rarely given since, but an interlude, now called  'Carnaval Romain' is regularly played as a concert overture.

1839.

'Romeo and Juliet' a "symphony for solo voices, chorus and orchestra".  Contains 'Queen Mab' scherzo.  Deserted his wife in favor of a second-rate singer, and toured Europe with her.  Met Mendelssohn and Wagner. 

1844.  

Published a treatise on orchestration, still of importance today.

1846.

Wrote a "concert opera", 'The Damnation of Faust', while traveling in Germany and Eastern Europe.  Unsuccessful performance in Paris.  Never given again in his lifetime.  A gigantic work, of unequal merits.  'Hungarian March', 'Ballet des Sylphes', and 'The Ride to the Abyss' often given separately.

1847.

Visited Russia, where he made money.

1848.

Short period in England, during the 1848 revolution.  Began to write his famous memoirs.  Continued to give concerts in London, Paris and elsewhere. 1854.  Wife died.  Married his singer.  Produced oratorio 'L'enfance du Christ'.  Wrote words and music.  A small scale, serene catholic work, very different from his previous ones.

1860.

Extracts from Wagner's operas, and finally 'Tannhauser' given in Paris.  Berlioz unsympathetic.  They quarrelled in print.

1862.

'Beatrice and Benedict', a light opera, given at BadenBaden, and later at Weimar.  Overture frequently heard today.

1863.

'The Trojans', an enormous opera, based on Virgil, had occupied Berlioz for many years.  Second half 'The Trojans in Carthage' produced at' last.  First half never produced in his lifetime.  Reverts to classical style, using recitatives and arias.

1867.

Only son died, leaving him alone.

1869.

Died, in Paris.

Chiefly famous for his experiments in orchestration, and for the immensity of his orchestration, and for the immensity of his conceptions.  His ideal orchestra was 467 players! His writing has many defects of melody, harmony and form, but is redeemed by its freedom of rhythm and its orchestral color.  

A pioneer of musical romanticism, his life was equally romantic and violently dramatic.  His l' idée fixe was the forerunner of Wagner's Leitmotiv.  Well known as a music critic and much influenced by literary romantic writers.

Symphonic works:

3 "so called” symphonies, all very irregular, and dependent on a programme: 'Fantastic symphony', 'Harold in Italy'; 'Romeo and Juliet' (with voices).

Operas.  'Benvenuto Cellini'; 'The Trojans'; 'Beatrice and Benedict'.  Overtures to the first and last often performed today. Also concert overture 'Camaval Romain', based on music taken from 'Benvenuto Cellini’.

Many choral works, including 'The Damnation of Faust', the ‘Requiem' and the oratorio 'L'enfance du Christ'.