France: Hector Berlioz (11 December 1803 – 8 March 1869) was a French Romantic composer, best known for his compositions 'Symphonie fantastique'. He may have drawn much of his creativity from opium addiction

French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz was an habitual opium user. He is most famous for his orchestral work Symphonie fantastique. Symphonie fantastique is an 'opera without words'. It was first performed in 1830. Each movement is designed to evoke the different stages of the opium experience.

A sublimation of his own unrequited love for actress Harriet Smithson, Berlioz's masterpiece is about a tormented lovesick artist who takes an overdose of opium. Instead of killing him, the opium induces astonishing dream imagery.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

OPIUM