Hector Berlioz

Hector Berlioz was born in southeastern France to a physician father who educated him at home. Unlike most composers, he never learned piano, instead teaching himself flute and guitar.

Berlioz's father sent him to Paris to study medicine. He was horrified by dissection rooms but enchanted by the Paris Opéra, where he discovered his true calling in music.

After abandoning medicine against his father's wishes, Berlioz entered the Paris Conservatoire. His unconventional ideas clashed with conservative professors, but he persevered.

Berlioz saw the Irish actress Harriet Smithson perform Shakespeare and became obsessively infatuated. His unrequited passion would inspire his greatest work, the Symphonie fantastique.

Berlioz premiered his revolutionary Symphonie fantastique, subtitled 'Episode in the Life of an Artist.' Its autobiographical program and innovative orchestration shocked and thrilled audiences.

After four attempts, Berlioz finally won the Prix de Rome, France's most prestigious composition prize. The award required him to spend two years in Italy, away from Paris.

Berlioz finally married his obsession, Harriet Smithson. The marriage proved unhappy as her career declined and his flourished, but they had one son, Louis.

Berlioz composed his monumental Requiem for massive forces including four brass bands. The work exemplified his vision of music on an unprecedented scale.

Berlioz completed 'The Damnation of Faust,' a dramatic legend based on Goethe. Though its Paris premiere failed, it became one of his most beloved works.

Berlioz completed his operatic masterpiece 'The Trojans,' based on Virgil's Aeneid. He never saw the complete work performed, as only the second half was staged during his lifetime.

Berlioz died in Paris, embittered by French neglect of his music. He is now recognized as one of the most original and influential composers of the Romantic era.