Hector Berlioz (December 1803 - March 8, 1869) was a French Romantic composer. He began studying music at age 12, writing small compositions and arrangements. He learned harmony from textbooks alone - he was not formally trained. Between 1830-47, Berlioz wrote many of his most popular and enduring works; Symphonie fantastique (1830), Harold en Italie (1834), the Grande messe des morts (Requiem) (1837) and Rom矇o et Juliette (1839). In early 1844, his highly influential Treatise on Instrumentation was published for the first time. The book discusses the various technical aspects of instruments, such as chromatic range, tone quality, and limitations. An explanation of the role of particular instruments within the orchestra is also provided. His influence was critical for the further development of Romanticism, especially in composers like Wagner, Liszt, Strauss, Mahler and many others. In 1869, Berlioz died at his Paris home, surrounded by friends and family, at the age of 65. His last words were reputed to be "Enfin, on va jouer ma musique" (At last, they are going to play my music). No photographer credited, undated.