Hector Berlioz

Hector Berlioz (1803–1869) was one of the most original and colourful composers of his generation, whose music in many ways was ahead of its time. He was also a highly respected journalist and critic, producing monthly articles for the Journal des Débats for over thirty years, as well as other writings including his posthumously published autobiographical Mémoires. Unlike journalism, which he disliked, letter-writing was a task which he relished and at which he excelled, producing sometimes four or five in a day and more than 3,500 during his lifetime. The letters reflect the man - exuberant, imaginative, idealistic, opinionated and witty - and give us a fascinating, first-hand, insight into his life. This two-volume selection includes some 300 examples. Volume 2, with a preface by the composer Charles Gounod, is devoted to Berlioz's letters to his lifelong friend, the lawyer and writer Humbert Ferrand.

In the piano works of F. Liszt, the transcription genre occupied one of the central positions (c. 200). The symphonic works, arranged for piano close to the original, were called by Liszt the "piano scores". Addressing himself to Berlioz's Fantastic Symphony, Liszt tried to preserve its original texture as much as possible. It is addressed to students of music colleges and higher schools, performing pianists.I. Reveries. Passions / Visions and PassionsII. Un bal / A BallIII. Scene aux champs / In the CountryIV. Marche au Supplice / The Procession to the StakeV. Songe d'une nuit du Sabbat / A Witches' Sabbath