Hector Berlioz was a French composer born on December 11, 1803, in La Côte-Saint-André. He is best known for his innovative orchestration and dramatic compositions, which helped shape the Romantic music era. His most famous work, the Symphonie Fantastique, is a program symphony that tells a vivid story through music. Berlioz was also a skilled conductor and music critic, contributing to the development of music journalism. He was influenced by literature and often incorporated literary themes into his compositions. His unique style and bold ideas have made him a significant figure in the history of classical music.