Hector Berlioz, one of the first French romantic composers, abandoned medical school to pursue music at the Paris Conservatory. In part inspired by his unrequited love for Irish Actress Harriet Smithson inspired a work that lifted him to fame at the age of 26: Symphonie Fantastique. His controversial music was at first not embraced widely by Parisian audiences, and earned additional income by working as a brilliant and witty music critic. He was eventually able to build a career primarily outside France as a conductor of his own music, along with the music of others. For more information on this great artist, consult the web resources below.