A brief summary of the life of composer Hector Berlioz, followed by an in-0depth description of his Grande Messe Des Morts.

During the Romantic period many composers made a huge impact with their music, some with traditional forms and others with new styles, such as program music. One of the composers who became a pioneer in the new program approach was Hector Berlioz with Symphonie Fantastique. As well as being a composer who worked in new, unconventional styles, he also used more traditional genres as well, among these the choral symphony and requiem mass. Ernest Newman …

…not only created a good impression with it's listeners at the first performance, it managed to effect Berlioz in a similar way. Even though he was not religious, he held a special place for his requiem. As he was getting older, it was reported that in a conversation with a close friend he quoted, "If I were to be remembered for any one of my works, I would beg mercy for my Messe Des Morts."