Berlioz, (Louis-)Hector  (b La Côte-Saint-André, Isère,11 Dec 1803; d Paris, 8 March 1869).French composer. He stands as the leading musician of his age in a country, France, whose principal artistic endeavour was then literary, in an art, music, whose principal pioneers were then German. In many senses the Romantic movement found its fullest embodiment in him, yet he had deep Classical roots and stood apart from many manifestations of that movement. His life presents the archetypal tragic struggle of new ideas for acceptance, to which he gave his full exertions as composer, critic and conductor. And though there were many who perceived greatness in his music from the beginning, his genius only came to full recognition in the 20th century... more from Grove Online.

"My life is to me a deeply interesting romance."  A Dictionary of Musical Quotations, Ian Crofton & Donald Fraser.Online sources:Visit the Global Music Network for a biography and selected performances.The All Classical Guide offers information on Berlioz's life and his compositions.  Sheet music is also available for purchase. The Hector Berlioz Website contains news on everything which concerns Berlioz: performances of his music worldwide, events to celebrate the composer's forthcoming bicentenary, bibliography, discography, reviews of live performances and more.Find out about the Berlioz Bicentennial at the NPR website, which offers information on performances, links to other Berlioz sites, and the ability to listen to his music.[On hearing music he admired] "My arteries quiver violently; tears... indicate only a condition which may be intensified.  If the further stage is reached, muscles contract spasmodically; limbs tremble; feet and hands grow quite numb... I cannot see perfectly; I am giddy and half-fainting." A Dictionary of Musical Quotations, Ian Crofton & Donald Fraser.