Hector Berlioz

Full Name: Louis-Hector Berlioz
Profession: Composer

Nationality:

Biography: Hector Berlioz was a French Romantic composer, best known for his Symphonie fantastique. He was born in La Côte-Saint-André in Isère, into a family of modest means. His father, a doctor, wanted Hector to follow in his footsteps, but the young man was passionate about music and wanted to be a composer.

Despite his father's protests, Hector ultimately enrolled at the Paris Conservatoire in 1826. He was a dedicated student, but his unconventional approach to composition often put him at odds with his teachers. He was expelled from the Conservatoire after just two years, but undeterred continued to pursue his musical career.

In 1830, Hector's opera The Damnation of Faust was premiered in Paris. It was a failure, but the work's bold, original music made a lasting impression on the French musical scene. Hector went on to enjoy a successful career, composing many works that are now considered classics of the Romantic repertoire.

Born: December 11, 1803
Birthplace: La Côte-Saint-André, France
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: March 8, 1869 (aged 65)