The Music of Berlioz offers an overall view of Berlioz's musical achievement as we approach the bicentary of his birth in 2003, and in doing so is the first such study to deal fully with the rediscovered Messe solennelle. It synthesizes previous scholarship, including the author's own, adding many new observations, together with information and insight into all the composer's works.

This is the first full-length musical study of Berlioz to take into account the rediscovered Messe solennelle. Julian Rushton discusses all aspects of his work, without undue emphasis on a few more popular pieces. The first section consists of a comprehensive biography of Berlioz's musical works, tracing shifting patterns of productivity, approaches to genre, and the contrast between works which are aesthetically progressive or retrospective. The author then considers aspects of Berlioz's musical style, building upon earlier studies by the author and other recent scholarship. The final section offers a more substantial analysis of selected passages and an overall critical assessment.

Fascinating ... Rushton has superbly perceptive pages on works he particularly admires.