Who is Berlioz?

Hector Berlioz was a French composer, conductor, and music critic, born on December 11, 1803, and died on March 8, 1869. He is best known for his innovative orchestration and his contributions to the Romantic music movement, particularly through works like his symphonic fantastique and the Opera "Les Troyens." Berlioz's use of programmatic elements in music and his exploration of new forms and structures significantly influenced later composers. His writings on music also established him as a prominent music critic of his time.