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NAME: Hector Berlioz

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Hector Berlioz was a French Romantic composer known for his innovative orchestration, vivid musical imagery, and expressive compositions, such as the Symphonie fantastique and his opera, Les Troyens.

BIRTH: Hector Berlioz was born on December 11, 1803, in La Côte-Saint-André, France.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Berlioz was born into a family of physicians. His father, Louis Berlioz, was a respected local physician, while his mother, Marie-Antoinette-Josephine, came from a wealthy family.He had five siblings, three of whom died in infancy.

CHILDHOOD: Berlioz grew up in a comfortable and cultured environment. Despite showing an early interest in music, his father initially wanted him to study medicine, but eventually supported his musical aspirations. Louis Berlioz invited many music masters to settle in the town so the boy would be exposed to a rich musical environment. 

EDUCATION: Berlioz initially studied medicine in Paris as his father wished, but spent more time at the opera and library. His passion for music led him to pursue composition and music theory at the Paris Conservatoire.

CAREER RECORD: Berlioz's career was marked by innovation and controversy. He struggled with traditional forms and structures, preferring to explore his own musical ideas. Despite facing criticism from conservative elements, his works eventually gained recognition for their originality and emotional depth. Here's his resume.

Composed numerous orchestral works, operas, and choral pieces throughout his career.

Became a renowned conductor, championing his own works and those of other composers.

Wrote music criticism, promoting progressive musical ideals.

APPEARANCE: Berlioz was described as tall and thin with a prominent nose and expressive eyes. He had a striking presence and intense gaze.

The young Berlioz

FASHION: Berlioz dressed in the fashion of his time, favoring elegant attire appropriate for his social standing as a respected composer.

CHARACTER: Berlioz was passionate and fiercely independent, often challenging the conventions of his era. He possessed a restless creative spirit and a deep sensitivity to the human experience, which he expressed through his music.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Berlioz was known for his wit and humor, often displayed in his writings and correspondence.

RELATIONSHIPS: Berlioz had a tumultuous romantic life, marked by infatuation and heartbreak. His most famous relationship was with the Irish actress Harriet Smithson, whom he idolized and later married.

It all started at a performance of Hamlet, of all things. Berlioz, a young, unknown musician, falls head over heels for a fiery Irish actress named Harriet Smithson. Now, a little infatuation is one thing, but Berlioz went full lovelorn puppy, showering her with unanswered letters that would make a Hallmark card writer cringe. Undeterred, and perhaps a touch melodramatic, he pours his unrequited passion into his most famous work, the Symphonie Fantastique. Think of it as a musical journey through love's crazy rollercoaster, complete with a dream sequence where he, well, let's just say eliminates his beloved (thankfully, only in the music).

While recoiling from his obsession with Smithson, Berlioz, ever the romantic, sets his sights on a young pianist named Marie. This time, the feeling is mutual, but true love wasn't on the menu. When Marie ditched him for a richer dude, Berlioz hatched a revenge plot so outlandish it would make a James Bond villain raise an eyebrow. Disguised as a lady's maid (yikes!), he planned to confront the happy couple with pistols and poison! Thankfully, common sense prevailed, and Berlioz ditched this operatic revenge fantasy before things got messy.

Eventually, Harriet graced a performance of the very symphony inspired by her. One might think this would rekindle the romance, but fate, it seems, had a different plan in mind. Harriet's career was on life support, and Berlioz wasn't exactly swimming in cash. So, on October 3, 1833, they got married., a union more about practicality than passion. It lasted a decent chunk of time, with a son thrown in for good measure, but eventually fizzled out.

Portrait of Harriet Smithson (1800-1854) by Dubufe, Claude-Marie

In 1840, Berlioz crossed paths with a singer named Marie Recio. Sparks flew, and by 1844, they were living together. For nearly two decades, they were a team – she, the singer, and him, the well, the famously dramatic composer.  Berlioz finally tied the knot with Marie on October 19, 1854 at a Parisian church. Sadly, their love story was cut short. Marie passed away in 1862 at the young age of 48, leaving a heartbroken Berlioz behind.

MONEY AND FAME: While Berlioz achieved fame as a composer, he struggled financially for much of  his life, relying on commissions, concerts, and occasional financial support from patrons to make ends meet. Financial success came later in life, primarily through performances abroad.

FOOD AND DRINK: Berlioz enjoyed fine dining and appreciated the culinary arts, often indulging in French cuisine and wine.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Berlioz admired composers like Beethoven and Weber.

As a composer, Berlioz was at the forefront of the Romantic movement, incorporating literary and artistic influences into his music to create vivid and evocative works.

Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, inspired by a failed love affair (shocker!), was a total game-changer. It was like a musical story, taking you on a journey through love's sweet torture, complete with a dream sequence where he, ahem, eliminates his beloved (thankfully, just in the music). This symphony, with its "program" woven into the music, basically invented a whole new genre – program music.

Berlioz didn't stop there. He went on to compose masterpieces like Les Troyens, a monumental opera that was both wildly romantic and surprisingly restrained (think Shakespeare meets a toga party, but with way more class). Then there were his other hits: Harold in Italy, a musical travelogue that would make you want to pack your bags, the dramatic symphony Roméo et Juliette, and the hauntingly beautiful La damnation de Faust.

Oh, and did I mention the man loved a good show? One concert he conducted in Paris featured an orchestra of 1,022 performers, bigger than your average town fair, with enough double basses to make your house vibrate and a harp brigade that would put a medieval banquet to shame. Now that's how you make music!

LITERATURE: Berlioz was well-read and drew inspiration from literature, particularly the works of Shakespeare, Goethe, and Byron, which influenced many of his compositions.

Berlioz also had a practical side, which is probably why he decided to become a music critic. Imagine a world where music reviews were actually entertaining to read! Berlioz, made that happen. He started slinging critiques in the 1830s and became a legend for his sharp wit and passionate pronouncements. It was like a rock concert reviewer got loose in the classical music world.

Speaking of groundbreaking, Berlioz also wrote a book on orchestration in 1843. His Treatise on Instrumentation wasn't your average "How to Play the Triangle for Dummies" guide. It was a deep dive into the world of musical instruments and how to make them sing (or blare, depending on the instrument). This book became a bible for composers, and even today musicians are flipping through its pages for inspiration.

His Mémoires were published posthumously in 1870.

NATURE: Berlioz had a deep appreciation for nature, which he often depicted in his music through vivid and colorful orchestration. This is evident in works like Harold in Italy.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Berlioz was primarily focused on music and composition. There are no documented hobbies or athletic pursuits beyond his dedication to music.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not extensively documented, Berlioz likely had a basic understanding of science and mathematics, as required by his education.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Berlioz was known for his skepticism and rationalism, which he expressed through his music and writings. He explored philosophical themes in his music, such as love, death, and the nature of the artist.

SCANDAL: Berlioz's unconventional approach to music and his personal life sometimes caused controversy, but he embraced his role as a provocateur and remained true to his artistic vision.

MILITARY RECORD  Berlioz witnessed the Napoleonic Wars during his childhood, which influenced his later compositions.   

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Hector Berlioz suffered from recurring illnesses throughout his life. The exact nature of these ailments remains unclear, but historical accounts mention stomach problems, nervous disorders, and possibly even depression.

His demanding career as a composer and conductor, often involving travel and irregular schedules, likely contributed to his health struggles.

HOMES: Berlioz lived in various locations throughout his career, constantly on the move due to professional opportunities. Here are some notable residences:

La Côte-Saint-André, France (Childhood): His birthplace and childhood home.

Paris, France (Majority of Career): Lived in various apartments and lodgings in Paris throughout his life.

London, England (Multiple Visits): Spent significant periods in London conducting and promoting his work.

Germany (Touring): Toured German cities conducting his own compositions and those of others.

TRAVEL Berlioz was a well-traveled figure due to the demands of his career. He undertook extensive concert tours and conducting engagements across Europe, including:

Germany: Toured extensively in Germany, particularly Leipzig and Berlin.

England: Frequent visits to London for concerts and promoting his music.

Austria: Conducted in Vienna and other Austrian cities.

Italy: Toured Italy, drawing inspiration for works like Harold in Italy.

DEATH: His mental and physical health declined rapidly in the late 1860s and Berlioz died a rather disconsolate figure in Paris on March 8, 1869. 

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Berlioz's life and music have been celebrated in various media formats:

Biographical Films: Films like La Symphonie Fantastique (1946) and Hector Berlioz: The Man Who Invented Music (2003) explore his life and work.

Documentaries: Several documentaries delve into his musical innovations and influence, such as Berlioz and the Birth of Romanticism (2018).

Recordings: Countless recordings exist of his orchestral works, operas, and other compositions by renowned conductors and orchestras.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Berlioz's achievements include pioneering new techniques in orchestration, expanding the possibilities of musical expression, and leaving behind a rich and influential body of work that continues to inspire musicians and audiences to this day.

NAME: Irving Berlin

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Renowned American composer and lyricist, famous for composing enduring classics such as "White Christmas," "God Bless America," and "There's No Business Like Show Business."

BIRTH: Irving Berlin was born on May 11, 1888, in Tyumen, Russian Empire (now Russia).

FAMILY BACKGROUND: He was born as Israel Isidore Beilin to Jewish cantor Moses Beilin and Lena Lipkin Beilin, Jewish immigrants from Siberia. The family later emigrated to the United States to escape religious persecution.

CHILDHOOD: Berlin's childhood was marked by poverty and hardship, as his family struggled to make ends meet in New York City's Lower East Side. Despite the challenges, Berlin developed a love for music and taught himself to play the piano.

EDUCATION: Berlin received little formal education, leaving school at a young age to help support his family by working odd jobs. His education in music was primarily self-taught, learning to play the piano by ear and soaking up the vibrant musical culture of New York City.

CAREER RECORD: Berlin's career as a songwriter and composer spanned over six decades, during which he wrote hundreds of songs for Broadway musicals, Hollywood films, and popular recordings. His contributions to American music are immeasurable, with many of his songs becoming timeless classics. Here's his resume: 

Published his first song, "Marie from Sunny Italy," in 1907.

Composed numerous international hits like "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (1911), "White Christmas" (1940), "Puttin' on the Ritz" (1929), and countless others.

Wrote music and lyrics for Broadway shows like Annie Get Your Gun (1946) and Easter Parade (1948).

Co-founded the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).

Won an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a Grammy Award.

APPEARANCE: Short in stature, with dark hair and eyes, Berlin was often described as unassuming in appearance, with a humble demeanor that belied his immense talent and success.

Irving Berlin in 1943

FASHION: Berlin's fashion sense was simple and practical, reflecting his no-nonsense approach to life and work.

CHARACTER: Berlin was known for his work ethic, humility, and unwavering dedication to his craft. He was a perfectionist who tirelessly honed his songs until they achieved the level of excellence he demanded.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Irving Berlin's wit and sense of humor were evident not only in his personal interactions but also in his song lyrics.  His playful use of language and clever turns of phrase added another layer of enjoyment to his music..

RELATIONSHIPS: Berlin was married twice, first to Dorothy Goetz in February 1912 after a whirlwind romance. She died four months later of typhoid fever contracted during their honeymoon in Havana, Cuba. Berlin's new bride was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, and for the next thirteen years he placed flowers regularly on her grave until he remarried

The ballad Berlin wrote to express his grief, "When I Lost You", was an immediate popular hit and sold more than a million copies. 

Belin's second marriage was to author and heiress Ellin Mackay, daughter of the head of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company, Clarence Mackay. She was some fifteen years his junior and Ellin's father had opposed their relationship from the start. Irving wooed her with letters and songs over the airwaves such as "Always". They eloped and were married in 1926 in a simple civil ceremony at the Municipal Building away from media attention.

Their marriage remained a love affair and they were inseparable until she died in July 1988 at the age of 85. They had four children during their 63 years of marriage. 

Berlin and Ellin c1926

MONEY AND FAME: Irving Berlin achieved both wealth and fame during his lifetime, becoming one of the most successful and celebrated songwriters of the 20th century. Berlin became a millionaire through his successful songwriting career.

Irving Berlin co-owned the Broadway Music Box Theatre from its opening in 1921. He was still checking the theater's receipts in 1989.

FOOD AND DRINK: Berlin had simple tastes when it came to food and drink, preferring classic American dishes and enjoying an occasional drink with friends.

MUSIC AND ARTS: As a composer and lyricist, Berlin had a profound impact on American music and culture, shaping the sound of Broadway and Hollywood with his memorable melodies and insightful lyrics.

Berlin's big break came in 1906 when he landed a gig as a singing waiter at a joint called the Pelham Café. Now, this wasn't exactly the Four Seasons, but hey, it was a roof over his head and a captive audience for his warbling. One such captive audience member was Harry Von Tilzer, a big shot in the music biz. Tilzer must have liked what he heard, because he snatched Irving right up and put him to work singing tunes at Tony Pastor's Music Hall, practically the ground zero of vaudeville.

Irving churned out his first song, "Marie from Sunny Italy," the following year, and pretty soon he was a regular on the hit parade. Then came "Alexander's Ragtime Band" in 1910. This wasn't just a hit, it was a phenomenon. Sheet music sales went through the roof, faster than a squirrel on espresso. People were humming that ragtime all over the world, from Zanzibar to Kalamazoo.

Fast forward a few decades, and Irving's still cranking out classics. He wrote "White Christmas" for the movie Holiday Inn, a song that practically invented the whole Christmas pop song industry. Apparently, Irving had a good feeling about this one. He even told his secretary, with all due modesty of course, that it was the best song ever written. No pressure there, right?

On top of being a chart-topping songwriter, Irving was also a key player in the evolution of popular music. He wasn't afraid to experiment, taking things from jazzy ragtime to smooth swing and heart-wrenching ballads. The man was a melody machine, and he didn't need fancy sheet music to get the job done. He'd just hum his tunes to a secretary who'd translate them into those squiggly lines us normal folks call notation. Stranger things have happened, but not many that have resulted in such catchy songs.

LITERATURE: While Berlin's primary focus was on music, he had a deep appreciation for literature and often drew inspiration from poetry and storytelling in his songwriting.

NATURE: Berlin found solace and inspiration in nature, often taking long walks in the countryside to clear his mind and recharge his creative energies.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Berlin enjoyed playing golf and spending time outdoors, but his true passion was always music, which consumed much of his time and attention.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not formally trained in science and mathematics, Berlin had a keen understanding of musical theory and composition, which he applied with skill and precision in his songwriting.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Berlin's worldview was shaped by his Jewish faith and the immigrant experience, which instilled in him a sense of resilience, optimism, and gratitude.

SCANDAL: Berlin's life was relatively free from scandal, as he focused on his music and avoided the trappings of celebrity culture.

MILITARY RECORD: Berlin dabbled in a bit of military service during World War I. Drafted at the ripe old age of 30, the army figured his songwriting skills were more valuable than his ability to dig trenches. So they stuck him with his fellow soldiers, and out came an all-soldier musical revue titled Yip Yip Yaphank. Not exactly Fight Club, but hey, every war needs a good soundtrack, right?

In 1942 Berlin wrote and produced the musical revue This Is the Army, using only military personnel. 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Berlin maintained good health throughout much of his life, thanks to regular exercise and a balanced diet. However, he faced health challenges in his later years, including a series of strokes.

HOMES: Irving Berlin lived in various residences throughout his life, primarily in New York City.  He enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle and owned a home on Beekman Place, a prestigious Manhattan address. and a country estate in Connecticut, where he found peace and inspiration.

Berlin bought his mother a house out of the royalties for "Alexander's Ragtime Band".

TRAVEL: Berlin traveled extensively throughout his career, performing his music on Broadway stages, Hollywood soundstages, and concert halls around the world.

DEATH: Irving Berlin passed away in his sleep on September 22, 1989, at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and enduring melodies that continue to captivate audiences to this day.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Irving Berlin's immense popularity led to him making occasional appearances in films and on radio programs.  However, he wasn't a performer himself and preferred to focus on creating music behind the scenes.  His true legacy lies in the countless recordings and stage productions that brought his songs to life.

ACHIEVEMENTS Irving Berlin's achievements are monumental. Here are just a few highlights:

Composed over 1,500 songs, many of which became enduring classics.

Revolutionized popular music with his innovative use of ragtime and other styles.

Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "White Christmas" (1942).

Received Tony Awards for his contributions to Broadway musicals.

In 1955 President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented Berlin with a special medal authorized by Congress for his patriotic songs.

Co-founded ASCAP, ensuring songwriters received proper compensation.

Wrote iconic patriotic songs like "God Bless America" that continue to resonate deeply.

Achieved international fame and recognition for his music.