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Books about

Hector Berlioz

11 dec 1803 (La Côte-St-André) - 8 mar 1869 (Paris)


Books about Hector Berlioz and his music

bookHector Berlioz and David Cairns The Memoirs of Hector Berlioz (Everyman's Library (Cloth))
Everyman's Library, 2002; ISBN 037541391X; 720 pages
The Memoirs of Hector Berlioz has long been considered to be among the best of musical autobiographies. Like his massive compositions, Berlioz (1803-69) was colorful, eloquent, larger than life. His book is both an account of his important place in the rise of the Romantic movement and a personal testament. He tells the story of his liaison with Harriet Smithson, and his even more passionate affairs of the mind with Shakespeare, Scott, and Byron. Familiar with all the great figures of the age, Berlioz paints brilliant portraits of Liszt, Wagner, Balzac, Weber, and Rossini, among others. And through Berlioz's intimate and detailed self-revelation, there emerges a profoundly sympathetic and attractive man, driven, finally, by his overwhelming creative urges to a position of lonely eminence. For this new Everyman's edition of The Memoirs , the translator--the composer's most admired biographer--has completely revised the text and the extensive notes to take into account the latest research. Price indication: $ 15.75
bookHector Berlioz and Richard Strauss Treatise on Instrumentation
Dover Publications, 1991; ISBN 0486269035; 432 pages
The most influential work of its kind ever written, appraising the musical qualities and potential of over 60 commonly used stringed, wind and percussion instruments. With 150 illustrative full-score musical examples from works by Berlioz, Mozart, Beethoven, Gluck, Weber, Wagner and others, and numerous smaller musical examples. Complete with Berlioz’ chapters on the orchestra and on conducting. Translated by Theodore Front. Foreword by Richard Strauss. Glossary. Price indication: $ 16.98
bookDavid Cairns Berlioz: Volume One: The Making of an Artist, 1803-1832
University of California Press, 2003-10-01; ISBN 0520240561; 672 pages
This biography of composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) describes with unprecedented intimacy, affection, and respect the life of one of France's greatest artists. After long being regarded as an oddity and an eccentric figure, Berlioz is now being accepted into the ranks of the great composers. Based on a wealth of previously unpublished sources, and on a profound understanding of the humanity of his subject, David Cairns's book provides a full account of this extraordinary and powerfully attractive man. Berlioz, Volume I , previously published only in Britain, is now available to American readers in a revised edition, together with the eagerly awaited, new Volume II . These two volumes together comprise a monumental biographical achievement, sure to stand as the definitive Berlioz biography. In researching Berlioz's life, Cairns has had access to unpublished family papers, and in Volume I he is able to portray all the people close to Berlioz in his boyhood, and to evoke a detailed picture of their lives in and around La Cote St.-Andre in the foothills of the French Alps. No artist's achievement connects more directly with early experience than that of Berlioz, whose passionate sensibility began to absorb the material of his art long before he had heard any musical ensemble other than the local town band. Volume I also traces the student years in Paris and Italy and discusses Berlioz's three great love affairs, shedding remarkable light on his later character and development. Volume I ends on the afternoon of December 9, 1832, the day of the concert that launched the composer's career. Price indication: $ 9.97
bookH. Berlioz Fantastic Symphony: An Authoritative Score Historical Background,Analysis, Views and Comments (Critical Scores)
W. W. Norton & Company, 1971; ISBN 0393099261; 320 pages Price indication: $ 22.05
bookDavid Cairns Berlioz: Servitude and Greatness 1832-1869
University of California Press, 2003; ISBN 0520240588; 907 pages
This biography of composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) describes with unprecedented intimacy, affection, and respect the life of one of France's greatest artists. After long being regarded as an oddity and an eccentric figure, Berlioz is now being accepted into the ranks of the great composers. Based on a wealth of previously unpublished sources, and on a profound understanding of the humanity of his subject, David Cairns's book provides a full account of this extraordinary and powerfully attractive man. Volume II follows Berlioz's life from 1832 to his death in 1869, his most active years as a composer, conductor, and critic. This volume provides telling portraits of those close to Berlioz: his two wives, his son and his sisters, his friends and colleagues, fellow composers and critics. Cairns vividly evokes Berlioz's music and the music-making world of nineteenth-century Paris. Volume II also includes chapters on Wagner, Berlioz's career as a critic, the composer's concert tours in Germany, Russia, and England, and much more. Price indication: $ 16.47
bookHector Berlioz Evenings with the Orchestra
University of Chicago Press, 1999; ISBN 0226043746; 408 pages
During the performances of fashionable operas in an unidentified but "civilized" town in northern Europe, the musicians (with the exception of the conscientious bass drummer) tell tales, read stories, and exchange gossip to relieve the tedium of the bad music they are paid to perform. In this delightful and now classic narrative written by the brilliant composer and critic Hector Berlioz, we are privy to twenty-five highly entertaining evenings with a fascinating group of distracted performers. As we near the two-hundredth anniversary of Berlioz's birth, Jacques Barzun's pitch-perfect translation of Evenings with the Orchestra --with a new foreword by Berlioz scholar Peter Bloom--testifies to the enduring pleasure found in this most witty and amusing book. "[F]ull of knowledge, penetration, good sense, individual wit, stock humor, justifiable exasperation, understanding exaggeration, emotion and rhetoric of every kind."--Randall Jarrell, New York Times Book Review "To succeed in [writing these tales], as Berlioz most brilliantly does, requires a combination of qualities which is very rare, the many-faceted curiosity of the dramatist with the aggressively personal vision of the lyric poet."--W. H. Auden, The Griffin Price indication: $ 10.40
bookHector Berlioz Hector Berlioz Selections From His Letters, and Æsthetic, Humorous, and Satirical Writings,
University of Michigan Library, 2009-04-27; 450 pages
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the text that can both be accessed online and used to create new print copies. This book and thousands of others can be found in the digital collections of the University of Michigan Library. The University Library also understands and values the utility of print, and makes reprints available through its Scholarly Publishing Office. Price indication: $ 26.99
bookD. Kern Holoman Berlioz
Harvard University Press, 1989; ISBN 0674067789; 704 pages
A captivating and sumptuously illustrated biography, Berlioz is not only a complete account of the Romantic era composer, but also an acute analysis of his compositions and a description of his work as a conductor and critic. 139 halftones, 3 maps, 160 musical examples. Price indication: $ 36.00
bookDavid Cairns Berlioz: Volume Two: Servitude and Greatness
University of California Press, 2000; ISBN 0520222008; 907 pages
This biography of composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) describes with unprecedented intimacy, affection, and respect the life of one of France's greatest artists. After long being regarded as an oddity and an eccentric figure, Berlioz is now being accepted into the ranks of the great composers. Based on a wealth of previously unpublished sources, and on a profound understanding of the humanity of his subject, David Cairns's book provides a full account of this extraordinary and powerfully attractive man. Volume II follows Berlioz's life from 1832 to his death in 1869, his most active years as a composer, conductor, and critic. This volume provides telling portraits of those close to Berlioz: his two wives, his son and his sisters, his friends and colleagues, fellow composers and critics. Cairns vividly evokes Berlioz's music and the music-making world of nineteenth-century Paris. Volume II also includes chapters on Wagner, Berlioz's career as a critic, the composer's concert tours in Germany, Russia, and England, and much more. Price indication: $ 60.00
bookPeter Bloom and Jonathan Cross The Cambridge Companion to Berlioz (Cambridge Companions to Music)
Cambridge University Press, 2000; ISBN 0521596386; 326 pages
This Companion contains essays by eminent scholars on Berlioz's place in nineteenth-century French cultural life, on his principal compositions (symphonies, overtures, operas, sacred works, songs), on his major writings, (a delightful volume of memories, a number of short stories, large quantities of music criticism, an orchestration treatise), on his direct and indirect encounters with other famous musicians (Gluck, Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner), and on his legacy in France. The volume is framed by a detailed chronology of his life and a usefully annotated bibliography. Price indication: $ 29.99
bookJacques Barzun Berlioz and His Century : An Introduction to the Age of Romanticism
University of Chicago Press, 1982; ISBN 0226038610; 448 pages
In this abridgment of his monumental study, Berlioz and the Romantic Century , Jacques Barzun recounts the events and extraordinary achievements of the great composer's life against the background of the romantic era. As the author eloquently demonstrates, Berloiz was an archetype whose destiny was the story of an age, the incarnation of an artistic style and a historical spirit. "In order to understand the nineteenth century, it is essential to understand Berlioz," notes W. H. Auden, "and in order to understand Berlioz, it is essential to read Professor Barzun." Price indication: $ 23.00
bookBerlioz Berlioz's Orchestration Treatise: A Translation and Commentary (Cambridge Musical Texts and Monographs)
Cambridge University Press, 2007-04-23; ISBN 0521036119; 432 pages
Berlioz's Orchestration Treatise (1843) is a classic textbook by a master of the orchestra, which has not been available in English translation for over a century. This is a book by and about Berlioz, since it provides not only a new translation but also an extensive commentary on his text, dealing with the instruments of Berlioz's time and comparing his instruction with his practice. It is thus a study of the high craft of the most distinctive orchestrator of the nineteenth century. Price indication: $ 70.10
bookNorman Del Mar Conducting Berlioz
Clarendon Press, 1999; ISBN 0198165595; 240 pages
Berlioz, the enfant terrible of music if ever there was one, was always a favorite of the late Norman Del Mar. In this volume (seen through the press by his son Jonathan) Norman Del Mar brings all his wide experience to the explanations and elucidation of the more difficult points of conducting these works. The most imaginative orchestrator ever is treated with wisdom and perception and many doubtful technical points are clarified in this invaluable handbook. Anyone wanting to know more about Berlioz's works, be they student or music-loving listener, will find their enjoyment enhanced after reading this indispensable study. The three extraordinary symphonies are considered in detail, followed by six overtures, and other important works. The volume culminates in chapters on the Grande Messe des morts and Te Deum which give true insight into these major choral pieces. Del Mar's writing style is easily approachable and carries the reader along in eager anticipation as understanding is assimilated from his own infectious enthusiasm. Price indication: $ 55.50
bookDonald Brook Five Great French Composers: Berlioz, Cesar Franck, Saint-Saens, Debussy, Ravel : Their Lives and Works (Biography index reprint series)
Books for Libraries, 1977; ISBN 0836980794; 216 pages Price indication: $ 25.95
bookHugh Macdonald Berlioz (Master Musicians Series)
Oxford University Press, USA, 2001; ISBN 0198164831; 280 pages
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, this extraordinary series continues to amaze and captivate its readers with detailed insight into the lives and work of music's geniuses. Unlike other composer biographies that focus narrowly on the music, this series explores the personal history of each composer and the social context surrounding the music. In a precise, engaging, and authoritative manner, each volume combines a vivid portrait of the master musicians' inspirations, influences, life experiences, even their weaknesses, with an accessible discussion of their work-all in roughly 300 pages. Further, each volume offers superb reference material, including a detailed life and times chronology, a complete list of works, a personalia glossary highlighting the important people in the composer's life, and a select bibliography. Under the supervision of music expert and series general editor Stanley Sadie, Master Musicians will certainly proceed to delight music scholars, serious musicians, and all music lovers for another hundred years. Price indication: $ 13.64
bookHector Berlioz and D. Kern Holoman and Edwin Evans A Critical Study of Beethoven's Nine Symphonies
University of Illinois Press, 2000; ISBN 0252069420; 192 pages Price indication: $ 9.75
bookHector Berlioz The memoirs of Hector Berlioz, member of the French Institute: Including his travels in Italy, Germany, Russia, and England, 1803-1865 (The Norton library ; N698)
Norton, 1975; ISBN 0393006980; 636 pages Price indication: $ 1.99
bookDavid Cairns Berlioz: Volume One: The Making of an Artist, 1803-1832
University of California Press, 2000; ISBN 0520221990; 672 pages
This biography of composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) describes with unprecedented intimacy, affection, and respect the life of one of France's greatest artists. After long being regarded as an oddity and an eccentric figure, Berlioz is now being accepted into the ranks of the great composers. Based on a wealth of previously unpublished sources, and on a profound understanding of the humanity of his subject, David Cairns's book provides a full account of this extraordinary and powerfully attractive man. Berlioz, Volume I , previously published only in Britain, is now available to American readers in a revised edition, together with the eagerly awaited, new Volume II . These two volumes together comprise a monumental biographical achievement, sure to stand as the definitive Berlioz biography. In researching Berlioz's life, Cairns has had access to unpublished family papers, and in Volume I he is able to portray all the people close to Berlioz in his boyhood, and to evoke a detailed picture of their lives in and around La Cte St.-Andr in the foothills of the French Alps. No artist's achievement connects more directly with early experience than that of Berlioz, whose passionate sensibility began to absorb the material of his art long before he had heard any musical ensemble other than the local town band. Volume I also traces the student years in Paris and Italy and discusses Berlioz's three great love affairs, shedding remarkable light on his later character and development. Volume I ends on the afternoon of December 9, 1832, the day of the concert that launched the composer's career. Price indication: $ 60.00
bookJacques Barzun Berlioz and the Romantic Century
Columbia University Press, 1969-12; ISBN 0231031351; 1124 pages Price indication: $ 141.58
bookJulian Rushton Berlioz: Romeo et Juliette (Cambridge Music Handbooks)
Cambridge University Press, 1994; ISBN 0521377676; 132 pages
Berlioz's "dramatic symphony" Roméo et Juliette is regarded by many as his finest work; it is certainly among the most original. This book summarizes the complex genesis of the work before examining the music closely and always with a view to understanding its dramatic implications. Julian Rushton quotes and discusses the early and later critical reception and concludes by suggesting a way of hearing the work that recognizes the value of its mixed genre. The complete libretto is provided in both English and French. Price indication: $ 22.99

Sheet music, libretti, etc.

Hector Berlioz Fantastic Symphony, Op.14 (Kalmus Miniature Scores) - Kalmus

L'Enfance du Christ, Op. 25, In Full Score - Dover Publications
Masterpiece of sacred music first performed in 1854, is in three parts and scored for seven solo voices (soprano, two tenors, baritone, three basses), chorus and orchestra. The singing text appears in French and German. Reproduced from an authoritative French edition.<br>

La Damnation de Faust : Dramatic Legend in Full Score (Dover Phoenix Editions) - Dover Publications
<DIV>Several 19th century composers created major works based on Goethe's <I>Faust</I>, but Berlioz's <I>La Damnation de Faust</I> is widely considered the greatest of them all. Scored for 3 solo singers, chorus, and orchestra, it displays all the qualities that make Berlioz so popular: brilliant and innovative orchestration, lyric and dramatic vocal writing, and magnificent choruses.</DIV>

Les Nuits d'ete : Complete Song Cycle in Full Score and Vocal Score - Dover Publications
<DIV>Settings of "Summer Nights," poems by Théophile Gautier, with French, English, and German singing texts. Contents: 1. "Villanelle" (popular street song); 2. "Le spectre de la rose" (The wraith of a rose); 3. "Sur les lagunes" (On the lagoons); 4. "Absence"; 5. "Au cimetière" (In the graveyard); and "L'île inconnue" (The unknown island). </DIV>

Requiem in Full Score - Dover Publications
<DIV><DIV>Berlioz's magnum opus is unrivaled in its grandeur, calling for huge orchestral and choral forces. From the brass fanfares of the "Day of Judgment" to the tender strains of "Agnus Dei," it is a work of pure celestial power. Reprint of the Breitkopf & Härtel, Leipzig, edition.</DIV></DIV>

Requiem Mass and Te Deum in Full Score: From the Complete Works Edition - Dover Publications
Two great masterpieces of sacred music in one volume: Requiem Mass (Grande messe des morts), Op. 5, and Te Deum, Op. 22. Requiem unrivaled in the grandeur of its conception, calling for huge orchestral forces and a chorus of at least 200. The Te Deum contains some of Berlioz’s most inspired and original ideas. Reproduced complete and unabridged from the authoritative Breitkopf & Härtel Complete Works edition.<br>

Roman Carnival and Other Overtures in Full Score: From the Complete Works Edition - Dover Publications
Five widely played and recorded overtures by great French Romantic composer: famous Roman Carnival and Corsair Overtures, also overtures to three operas: Benvenuto Cellini, Beatrice and Benedict and Trojans in Carthage. Reprinted from definitive Breitkopf & Härtel Complete Works edition.<br>

Romeo And Juliet Op. 17 - Eulenburg (Schott)
No Description provided.

Symphonie Fantastique and Harold in Italy in Full Score - Dover Publications
Complete, authoritative scores of two Romantic symphonic masterpieces show extra-musical themes of "program music"—and intuitive genius, Shakespearean passion of Berlioz. Includes Symphonie Fantastique "program." Breitkopf & Härtel, Leipzig, 1900-1910 edition.<br>

Symphonie Fantastique Op. 14: Eulenburg Audio+Score Series - Eulenburg
The Eulenburg Audio+Score Series covers more than 200 years of the world's favorite classical music. Each of the 50 volumes consists of a clearly-presented and authoritative musical score, an informative preface detailing the biographical and creative background, and a Naxos CD containing the work in full length. Eulenburg Audio+Score is the new way to hear, read, and understand music for everyone from the casual music lover to the expert enthusiast. Each volume includes a study score of the music with an informative article and a CD with a complete recording of the featured piece.

Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14 (Episode in the Life of an Artist) (Dover Miniature Scores) - Dover Publications
In this masterpiece of "program" music (a genre invented by the composer), an obsessed musician is overcome by increasingly bizarre visions of his lover. This miniature score version, an unabridged republication of the Breitkopf & Härtel edition, is handy, inexpensive, and perfect for use in the classroom or concert hall.<br>



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