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Hector Berlioz Biography program notes and sheet music

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)

Hector Berlioz (December 11, 1803 – March 8, 1869) was a French Romantic composer and conductor. He is best known for his orchestral works, including the Symphonie fantastique, Harold in Italy, and Roméo et Juliette. He was also a prolific writer, and his essays on music are still read today.

Berlioz was born in La Côte-Saint-André, France, to a doctor father and a music-loving mother. He showed an early aptitude for music, and he began studying the violin and piano at a young age. He also received a strong education in literature and philosophy.

In 1821, Berlioz enrolled at the Paris Conservatoire, where he studied composition with Jean-François Lesueur. He was a rebellious student, and he often clashed with his teachers. However, he also learned a great deal from them, and he developed his own unique style of composition.

In 1827, Berlioz won the Prix de Rome, a prestigious award that allowed him to study in Italy for three years. While in Italy, he composed his first major work, the Symphonie fantastique. This work was a groundbreaking experiment in orchestral sound, and it established Berlioz as a leading figure in the Romantic movement.

After returning to Paris, Berlioz struggled to gain acceptance for his music. His works were often criticized for being too long, too loud, and too emotional. However, he continued to compose and perform, and he eventually won over a large audience.

In 1856, Berlioz was appointed conductor of the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra. He held

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    Berlioz Hector (1803-1869)   
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