Life and Letters of Berlioz

A selection of Berlioz's letters to family, friends and fellow musicians giving a first-hand insight into his life.

Hector Berlioz (Author), Daniel Bernard (Author), H. Mainwaring Dunstan (Translated by)

9781108021173, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 October 2010

418 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.53 kg

Hector Berlioz (1803–60189) was one of the most original and colourful composers of his generation, whose music in many ways was ahead of its time. He was also a highly respected journalist and critic, producing monthly articles for the Journal des Débats for over thirty years, as well as other writings including his posthumously published autobiographical Mémoires. Unlike journalism, which he disliked, letter-writing was a task which he relished and at which he excelled, producing sometimes four or five in a day and more than 3,500 during his lifetime. The letters reflect the man - exuberant, imaginative, idealistic, opinionated and witty - and give us a fascinating, first-hand, insight into his life. This two-volume selection includes some 300 examples. Volume 1 includes letters to family, fellow musicians such as Hiller, Lizst and Schumann, and friends such as Auguste Morel and fellow critic Joseph D'Ortigue.

Biographical notice
Letters I-CLVI (1819–1868)
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Classical music [c 1750 to c 1830 AVGC4]