Hector Berlioz

Berlioz, a leading figure in French Romanticism, gained recognition with his Symphonie fantastique, influenced by his infatuation with actress Harriet Smithson. Despite setbacks with works like Benvenuto Cellini, he produced masterpieces like Harold en Italie and the Requiem, aided by financial support from Paganini. Les nuits d'été showcased his creative brilliance. Despite personal challenges, Berlioz toured extensively and composed La Damnation de Faust. L'Enfance du Christ provided some stability, and he completed his grand opera Les Troyens in 1858. Berlioz conducted concerts until his death in 1869, leaving a lasting legacy in music.