Hector Berlioz & Symphonie Fantastique
What is Romanticism? (It has many definitions, and is many things.)
Romanticism is a complex artistic, literary, intellectual, movement in the late 18th century in the Western Europe. The Romantic period started from 1820 ~ 1918 and it is preceded by the Classical period and followed by the Modernist period. The musics during this time are very emotional and creative, and almost every composer has their own style of music.
How does your subject fit into the world of Romanticism (their work, their life)
Symphonie Fantastique of Berlioz is very emotional and creative.
Are there elements or aspects of your subject that are not romantic in nature?
No. I don't think so.
Who is your subject. When and where did they live.
Hector Louis Berlioz was born in France and somewhere near Lyon and died in Paris (December 11th, 1803~March 8th, 1869). He was a Romantic composer, the well known musics that he composed are Symphonie Fantastique and Grande Messe des morts.
What is their major contribution to music? (Why are they famous?)
Berlioz's contributions to music is helped to break old mold create new forms full of strong contrasts of passion and emotion.
What type of symphony is "Symphonie Fantastique"
Symphonie Fatastique is a program symphony.
Why was Symphonie Fantastique controversial? What were the arguments?
The Symphonie Fatastique was controversial because it defies the traditional listening practices of music.
Is either argument correct? How do you feel about it?
I think that this is personal opinion. I think that it was good that he putted all his creativity and imagination into the music, it affects many other music composers after him.