Berlioz Hector. A Critical Study of Beethoven's Nine Symphonies

Translation by Edwin Evans. — London: W. Reeves, 1913. — 280 p.A Critical Study of Beethoven's Nine Symphonies with a few words on his Trios and Sonatas, a criticism of "Fidelio" and an Introductory Essay on Music.This book contains an English translation of 5 essays, taken from the volume “À Travers Chants, Études Musicales Adorations - Boutades Et Critiques" by Hector Berlioz. These essays are: Music, A critical study of the symphonies of Beethoven, A few words on the trios and sonatas of Beethoven, Fidelio and Beethoven in the Ring of Saturn.
I've supplemented the essays with the original French texts. Furthermore I added a modern English translation by Michel Austin of the essay "A critical study of the symphonies of Beethoven", the pièce de résistance of the book.From Goodreads:
A daring composer in his own right, Hector Berlioz made a considerable reputation and a modest living for himself writing about music. This compact volume gathers brief, pithy essays Berlioz wrote on Beethoven's nine symphonies, his opera, Fidelio, and his piano sonatas and trios. Berlioz vividly depicts the salient features of the music with observations that are acute and passionate, as valuable for musicians as for amateurs. Beyond its astute commentary on the music, however, Berlioz's book offers a rare firsthand look at the reception and reputation accorded Beethoven's music in the decades following his death. Berlioz transcribes the comments of amateurs leaving the conservatoire after a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and provides a mocking glimpse of the French appreciation of the great German composer: What stands in the way of the music of 'Fidelio' as regards the Parisian public is... the great disdain of the composer for sonorous effects which are not justified. He addresses Beethoven's skillful use of the orchestra as an instrument of drama and the general disapprobation that greeted this approach. He also includes a satirical piece on the fad of calling up the spirit of a composer and transcribing new, posthumous compositions. Berlioz's essays testify to the tumult caused by Beethoven's music in his time and offer ways to approach the music that remain enlightening and fresh.