Berlioz the Critic - by Roger Nichols (Hardcover)

About the Book

"For nearly forty years, Hector Berlioz combined writing music with lively and informed music criticism. This collection of articles, engagingly translated by Roger Nichols, covers the middle years of his critical career. Berlioz's music criticism from 1837 to 1850 covers a period when he composed some of his finest works, and traveled abroad to perform them before appreciative audiences in Germany, Russia, and England. Roger Nichols has chosen and translated extracts from fifty-eight articles of particular interest, with commentary and notes identifying people mentioned. The articles are preceded by a richly informative introduction by the Berlioz scholar Peter Bloom. Additional editorial notes are provided by musicologist Julian Rushton. In the selected articles Berlioz discusses Paris performances of early and modern music, including new operas and revivals, and concerts at the Paris Conservatoire. He comments freely but with understanding on conductors, singers, and instrumentalists. The essays demonstrate the composer's concern with innovation in the design of musical instruments and assess the quality of performing venues. Berlioz writes on the musical life of London, France, and Germany, most entertainingly about the inauguration of statues of Beethoven and Rossini. The selection is framed by major articles on "Imitation in Music" and on Gluck's opera Alceste. ROGER NICHOLS is an independent musicologist, writer, and translator. JULIAN RUSHTON is Emeritus Professor of Music, University of Leeds, UK. PETER BLOOM is the Grace Jarcho Ross Professor of Humanities Emeritus at Smith College"--

Book Synopsis

Hector Berlioz combined writing music with lively and informed music criticism. This collection of articles, engagingly translated by Roger Nichols, covers the middle years of his critical career.

PRESTO MUSIC BOOK OF THE MONTH JUNE 2025

Berlioz's music criticism from 1837 to 1850 covers a period druing which he composed some of his finest works, and travelled abroad to perform them before appreciative audiences in Germany, Russia, and England. Roger Nichols has chosen and translated extracts from fifty-eight articles of particular interest, with commentary and notes identifying people mentioned. Berlioz scholars Peter Bloom and Julian Rushton provide an informative introduction and a comprehensive editorial apparatus.

In the selected articles Berlioz discusses Paris performances of early and modern music, including new operas and revivals, and concerts at the Paris Conservatoire. He comments freely but with understanding on conductors, singers and instrumentalists. The essays demonstrate the composer's concern with innovation in the design of musical instruments and assess the quality of performing venues. Berlioz writes on the musical life of London, France, and Germany, most entertainingly about the inauguration of statues of Beethoven and Rossini. The selection is framed by major articles on "Imitation in Music" and on Gluck's opera Alceste.

Review Quotes

Excellent, wide-ranging volume. Offers...a rare glimpse into [Berlioz's] impressive journalistic output [and] a fascinating tour d'horizon of musical life in Paris and Europe generally....Ably translated by Roger Nichols and [with an] all-embracing introduction [by] Peter Bloom."-- "BERLIOZ SOCIETY BULLETIN"

His sharp ear and eye, unsurpassed knowledge, and addictively witty, frequently caustic yet always insightful articles bring to life the musical world of Paris and beyond. Chosen and translated with typically compelling grace by Roger Nichols...and with an eloquent introduction by Peter Bloom. A thoroughly absorbing delight from beginning to end.-- "BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE"