hector Berlioz Flashcards
dates
1803-1869
where was he born
cote-saint-andre near Lyon, france
family’s occupation and early musical training
father was a physician, began music studies at age twelve, learned to play guitar and flute
what were his first ambitions for his future
went to Paris to study medicine, lost interest and found his passion in music. parents were disappointed in him. began studying at Paris conservatoire.
very influenced by…
beethoven
what prize was awarded to him at the Paris conservatoire?
the prix de rome, the highest honour awarded to composition students. received after three failed attempts.
what launched his career?
the premiere of symphonie fantastique
was good friends with this composer
franz Liszt
married…
Harriet Smithson, the inspiration for symphonie fantastique. they had a son, Louis.
other career interests
conductor, writer, critic, author.
how did his marriage end?
seperation. Berlioz moved in with singer Marie Recio. Married Marie Recio after Harriet’s death.
death
march 8, 1869, buried with both his wives in Montmartre cemetery
his writing was characterized as…
highly individual and iconoclastic.
was influenced by…
Beethoven, shakespeare, byron, goethe, victor Hugo, walker Scott
how did he develop the orchestra?
expanded size and configuration, often specifying grandiose performing forces.
