James Kearney <[log in to unmask]> writes eloquently of his passage
of experience with Berlioz.  I confess Berlioz was not one of my favorite
composer (indeed, there was a long time when I didn't like anything he
composed), but after the discovery, performance, and distribution of his
Messe Solennelle by Gardiner on the Philips' label, I began to reevaluate
his work.  It took a long time to find a Symphonie fantasique that I
actually liked (Andre Previn's on EMI's budget label double forte is a
winner), but gradually his work gripped me.  The Enfance d'Christ, Requiem,
and other choral works, together with his symphonic works, has gradually
become one of my primary sources for inspiration and pleasure.  Anyone who
has had a difficult time making Berlioz's acquaintance can rest assured
that one day he'll captivate you too.

Stephen Heersink
San Francisco
http://home.att.net/~dshsfca/