The brilliant composer Hector Berlioz managed to create a number of unique operas, symphonies, choral pieces and overtures. It is noteworthy that in the homeland, Hector's work was constantly criticized, while in European countries, he was one of the most sought-after composers and musicians.
Childhood and youth
He was born in France. The maestro's date of birth is December 11, 1803. Hector's infancy was associated with the commune of La Cote-Saint-André. His mother was Catholic. The woman was very pious and tried to instill in her children a love of religion.
The head of the family absolutely did not share his wife's views on religion. He worked as a doctor, so he recognized only science. The head of the family brought up the children in severity. Interestingly, he was the first to practice acupuncture, and also developed the so-called medical writing.
He was a respected person. Father was often away from home as he attended scientific symposiums. In addition, he was a welcome guest of the evenings that were held in elite houses.
For the most part, the wife was responsible for the upbringing of the children. Hector fondly remembered his mother. She not only gave him love and care, but also instilled an interest in literature and music.
The father was responsible for the development of Hector. He required his son to read books daily. In particular, Berlioz liked to study geography. He was a dreamy child. While reading books, he fantasized about traveling to other countries. He wanted to know the whole world and do something useful for him.
Before the birth of the children, the father decided that all his heirs would learn medicine. Hector was also prepared for this. True, this did not prevent him from studying musical notation, as well as independently learning how to play several musical instruments.
The younger sisters listened to the game of their brother. The recognition of talent inspired Berlioz to write short plays. At that time, he did not think about what he would do in music at a professional level. Rather, it was entertainment for him.
Over the years, he had no time for music. The head of the family loaded his son as much as possible. Berlioz devoted almost all his time to the study of anatomy and Latin. After classes, he sat up for philosophical works.
University entrance
In 1821, having gone through all the circles of hell, he passed the exams and entered a higher educational institution. The head of the family insisted that his son study in Paris. He pointed him to the university where he should enter. From the first attempt, Berlioz was enrolled in the medical faculty.
Hector grasped information on the fly. He loved to study and was one of the most successful students in his class. The teachers saw great potential in the guy. But, soon the situation changed. Once he had to independently open the corpse. This situation was a turning point in Berlioz's biography.
From that moment on, medicine turned him away. Turns out he was a sensitive guy. Out of respect for his father, he did not drop out of school. The head of the family, who wanted to support his son, sent him money. He spent money on delicious food and beautiful clothes. True, it did not last long.
Lush outfits appeared in the wardrobe of the young Berlioz. Finally, he was able to visit opera houses. Hector joined the cultural environment, getting acquainted with the works of great composers.
Impressed by the works he heard, he signed up at the local conservatory library to make copies of the fragments he liked. This made it possible to study the principles of composing compositions. He managed to learn to distinguish the national characteristics of composers.
He continued to study medicine, and after classes he hurried home. During this period of time, he tries to compose the first professional compositions. Attempts to prove himself as a composer turned out to be even. After that, he turned to Jean-Francois Lesueur for help. The latter became famous as the best opera composer. Berlioz wanted to learn the basics of composing musical works from him.
The first works of Hector Berlioz
The teacher managed to convey to Hector information about the intricacies of composing the composition, and soon he wrote the first compositions. Unfortunately, they have not been preserved until our times. At this time, he even wrote an article in which he tried to protect national music from Italian. Berlioz emphasized that French composers are no worse than the maestro of Italy, and may well compete with them.
By that time, he had already firmly decided to connect his life with music. Despite this, the father insisted on getting a higher education and further medical activities.
The fact that Hector Berlioz disobeyed the head of the family led to a decrease in salary. But, the maestro was not afraid of poverty. He was ready to eat breadcrumbs, just to make music.
Details of the personal life of Maestro Hector Berlioz
Berlioz's nature can safely be called sensual and ardent. The maestro had an impressive number of novels with beauties. In the early 1830s, he became infatuated with a girl named Marie Mock. She, like the composer, was a creative person. Marie skillfully played the piano.
Mok responded to Hector in return. He made big plans for family life, and even managed to make Marie a marriage proposal. But, the girl did not justify his hopes. She married a more successful man.
Hector did not grieve for long. Soon he was seen in a relationship with theater actress Harriet Smithson. He began his courtship by writing love letters to the lady of the heart, where he confessed his sympathy for her and her talent. In 1833, the couple married.
In this marriage, an heir was born. But not everything was so rosy. Berlioz, who felt cold from his wife, found solace in the arms of his mistress. Hector was infatuated with Marie Recio. She accompanied him to concerts, and of course, was much closer than it might seem to the audience.
After the death of his official wife, he took his mistress as his wife. In a happy marriage, they lived for about 10 years. The woman passed away before her husband.
Interesting facts about the composer
- Hector adored his life, so he transferred the brightest events to his personal memoirs. This is one of the few maestro who left behind such a detailed biography.
- He was lucky to meet Niccolo Paganini. The latter asked him to write a concerto for viola and orchestra. He fulfilled the order, and soon Niccolò performed with the symphony "Harold in Italy".
- In search of additional income, he worked in one of the Parisian libraries.
- He dreamed of some works, he got up in the morning and transferred them to paper.
- He introduced a number of innovations in conducting methods. Interestingly, some are still in use today.
The Last Years of Hector Berlioz
In 1867, he learned that an epidemic of yellow fever was raging in Havana. Then the only heir of the composer died from her. He grieved the loss of his only son. Experiences affected his general well-being.
In order to somehow distract himself, he worked hard, visited theaters, toured a lot and traveled. Loads did not pass by. The composer had a stroke, which actually caused his death. His body was buried in early March 1869.
