The Music of Berlioz

This is the first full-length musical study of Berlioz to take into account the rediscovered Messe solennelle. Julian Rushton discusses all aspects of his work, without undue emphasis on a few more popular pieces. The first section consists of a comprehensive biography of Berlioz´s musical works, tracing shifting patterns of productivity, approaches to genre, and the contrast between works which are aesthetically progressive or retrospective. The author then considers aspects of Berlioz´s musical style, building upon earlier studies by the author and other recent scholarship. The final section offers a more substantial analysis of selected passages and an overall critical assessment.