The Cambridge Berlioz Encyclopedia

Description

With over forty international specialist authors, this Encyclopedia covers all aspects of the life and work of Hector Berlioz. One of the most original composers of the nineteenth century, he was also internationally known as a pioneer of modern conducting, and as an entertaining author of memoirs, fiction, and criticism. His musical reputation has fluctuated, partly because his works rarely fit into conventional categories. As this Encyclopedia demonstrates, however, his influence on other composers, through his music and his orchestration treatise, was considerable, and extended into the twentieth century. The volume also covers Berlioz's connections with government officials and Paris concert societies and theatres, and contains information on his wide social circle including important literary figures. The Encyclopedia explores his fascination with foreign authors such as Shakespeare, Moore, and Goethe, and treats fully his promotion of his own and others' music, often at his own financial risk.

Julian Rushton is Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of Leeds. His book The Musical Language of Berlioz (Cambridge, 1983), was a significant milestone in the understanding of Berlioz's compositional thought. His other publications include The Music of Berlioz (2001) and several works for the New Berlioz Edition.