Berlioz – Les Nuits d’Été, Performed by Stéphanie d’Oustrac

Hector Berlioz was a French Romantic composer known for his imaginative orchestration and dramatic intensity. He abandoned the study of medicine to pursue music. Despite struggling for recognition in conservative Paris, he gained acclaim abroad through conducting tours. His masterpieces, including Symphonie Fantastique, Harold en Italie, Les Troyens, and La Damnation de Faust, showcase his innovative style. Though underappreciated in his lifetime, his visionary works profoundly shaped orchestral music and continue to inspire out-of-the-box composers.