Congratulations to Joan Gibbons in Hamilton. The winner of our Daybreak Book competition for March.
Hector Berlioz Photo: public doman
This month the music world marks 150 years since the death of French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz (on 8 March 1869).
A divisive composer, he was considered a genius by some, others said he lacked form and, if you read up about the full extent of his obsession with a woman he'd never even met, you might consider him rather unhinged.
Whilst a struggling, young composer Berlioz began writing articles on music to support himself. He continued to write prose, even when his music became well known. Some say he was as famous for his writing as he was for his music.
The Musical Madhouse by Berlioz Photo: supplied
The Musical Madhouse or Les Grotesques de la musique is considered the funniest of all Berlioz's prose. It contains anecdotes, witticisms, open letters and comments on the absurdities of concert life.
To win a copy of The Musical Madhouse by Berlioz answer the following question:
"Name the Irish actress who inspired the young Berlioz to write his Symphonie Fantastique".
Send your answer to daybreak@rnz.co.nz and we will announce the winner on Daybreak at the end of March.
Berlioz's song cycle Les nuits d’été (Summer Nights) is RNZ Concert's Podcast Classic for the month of March. Download your free recording here
