Abstract

Music

Hector Berlioz, who was one of the great musical creators, was also a great critic. Great is used to indicate not only the magnitude of his critical perception and literary gift but the personal qualities which shine through the writing. The perception that formulates itself with literary brilliance and delightful gaiety and wit is at the same time one that deals rigorously with the work of art before it; and in addition to this integrity there are intensity, passion and nobility which, expressing themselves in a rhetorically heightened style, are very moving. Berlioz did daily musical journalism that he hated, in order to earn the living. One of his collections was, Les Soirées de l'orchestre, which has an unusual and amusing framework: the author spends a number of evenings in the orchestra pit of an opera house; and when a worthless opera is performed the members of the orchestra read, tell stories or talk about music, providing the opportunities for Berlioz to introduce his articles.