RCHUMS 250 Lecture 15: notesweek10
Document Summary
Self conscious and articulate artistic genius of the nineteenth century. Self conscious in his early recognition of his own musical talent and in his determination to foster it. Articulate in his use of words to complement his music. Born in 1803 in la cote saint-andre. Proposed, got rejected, wrote symphony fantastique, then the girl married him, but the marriage didn"t last long. Experienced first romantic love at age 12, and at 30, a passing encounter convinced him that he was still in love with her. In 1848, hearing that estelle fornier was widowed, he made an effort to see her; didn"t succeed til 1864 when he was 60 years old. At this time, he was twice widowed, ill, and prematurely aging. Beloved is represented in a theme (fixed idea) - harriet smithson in the symphony fantastique. Temperamentally unable to pursue medical career his father planned for him and turned to music instead. Studied counterpoint and composition at the conservatory.
