Hector Berlioz - music writer, composer of the period of romanticism, conductor. He was not afraid to bring new things to music, he loved the theatricality of symphonies. He has his own style, his own way in music.
Biography
Hector Berlioz was born in 1803 in La Cote Saint-Andre, France. The first child in the family of the doctor received a comprehensive education. Attention was also paid to musical development, Hector learned to play the flute and guitar, wrote his first romances. The father saw in his son a continuation of the dynasty, so in 1821 the young man entered the Medical School in Paris. But Hector was not interested in medicine, it was even disgusting. He was attracted to the Paris Opera, she inspired to start composing music again, and to engage in self-education in this area.
In 1824, Hector makes the final choice in favor of music and leaves his studies at the Medical School. Parents did not approve of his choice and greatly reduced material support. Berlioz needed to earn a living, he sings in the choir. In 1826, Hector entered the Paris Conservatory. He ends his studies simultaneously with the recognition of his work "Fantastic Symphony", at the same time receives the Roman Prize. This prestigious award provided him with the means to study in Italy. He will return to Paris in 1833 to marry Harriet Smithson.
Hector Berlioz was actively conducting and composing new works, nevertheless, he made a living from journalism and music criticism, and worked as a librarian at the Paris Conservatory. A good profit brought him touring tours in 1847 and 1867-1868 over the territory of Russia.
In 1854, the composer's wife died after a serious illness, and he entered into a new marriage with Marie-Genevieve Martin. At the end of his life, Hector loses the people closest to him. First, the younger sister dies, then the wife, and in 1867 his only son from his first marriage. All this greatly affected the composer. In 1869, he dies in his apartment in Paris.
Creativity, career
In 1826, the composer wrote The Greek Revolution, which described the struggle of the Greeks for freedom from the Ottoman Empire. The revolutionary theme is present in his other works.
A fantastic symphony, was written in 1830, and became his first significant work. He composed it during a love affair when he courted the impregnable Harriet. In it, he reflected his feelings, the mood of modern society of that time. In the same year he receives the Roman Prize for the cantata "Death of Sardanapalus."
During his studies at the Paris Conservatory, he creates the overtures of King Lear and Rob Roy, after visiting Italy he creates the Harold Symphony in Italy, which reflects his impressions of the trip. In 1834, the symphony premiered. In 1837, Berlioz represents the Requiem, written under the influence of the July Revolution, requiring a large number of performers. In the 30s, more symphonies appeared: “Romeo and Juliet”, “Solemnly Mourning Symphony”.
In the 40s, Berlioz created "A Treatise on Instrumentation and Orchestration", this fundamental work is an invaluable contribution to the theoretical part of music. The book is an integral part of composers' training today. Hector Berlioz was distinguished by a deep understanding of instruments and was able to masterfully apply them in orchestration.
The opera “Damnation of Faust” was a failure for the author. The material position of the composer left much to be desired. The Russian tour helped him to improve his financial situation; he was received very warmly in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
In 1856, the composer began writing the opera The Trojans. It was written quite quickly, but the Paris Opera did not give permission for its production. A full premiere took place after his death.
