John Weeks Moore

“ His thought, at first uncertain, at length defines itself, so that you may see that the violent passions predominate in it, that the genius of melody is foreign to it, and that the instinct of instrumental effects is the most precious gift with which Nature has endowed Berlioz. ”

“ Moreover, charm is wanting in all this, because, entirely wedded to his thought, M. Berlioz has not the art of suspending its course by the introduction of unexpected episodes, as men of genius in all times have done, especially Beethoven."
This opinion, however, is far from unanimous. Berlioz had then, and has still more now, a large party of admirers, composed of those who are charmed by what is adventurous, and free, and new ; those who gladly hail any revolution in art; there are more poets, painters, &c., than musicians among them. ”

“ He always pens a brilliant article, and his opinions of new works, singers, players, and composers, which he seldom withholds, are still widely copied. In 1844, he published a "Musical Tour in Germany and Italy," in two octavo volumes, which is full of pleasant musical criticism and gossip. Berlioz has recently been in high favor with Liszt at ' Weimar, where all that is new and original in music is most encouraged, and where his opera "Benveuuto Cellini" has been produced success-fully during the past year. ”