Symphonie Fantastique - Harriet Smithson

Harriet Smithson

Berlioz fell in love with an Irish actress, Harriet Smithson, after attending a performance of Shakespeare's Hamlet with her in the role of Ophelia on 11 September 1827. He sent her numerous love letters, all of which went unanswered. When she left Paris they had still not met. He then wrote the symphony as a way to express his unrequited love. It premiered in Paris on 5 December 1830; Harriet was not present. She eventually heard the work in 1832 and realized his genius. The two finally met and were married on 3 October 1833. Their marriage became increasingly bitter, and eventually they separated after several years of unhappiness.

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