Hector Berlioz was a French composer during the Romantic Era. Although he initially performed primarily in Paris, he soon found he was better received abroad, and would often tour in neighbouring countries. A Russian friend once asked him if he would consider touring Russia, to which he jokingly replied "If the Emperor of Russia wants me, then I am up for sale." This, however, was taken seriously, and Berlioz ended up touring Russia twice. A trip to Russia in the 1800s was no easy voyage, and involved a many day journey over hilly terrain in a sled. Both tours damaged Berlioz's health, yet he was incredibly well received, being hosted by royalty and paid generously. The life of Berlioz was a tumultuous one, and though it comprised some happy years, it was punctuated by sadness; the death of his first and second wives, the estrangement and eventual death of his only son, his failing health, and the French critics who were merciless at critiquing his works (though on one occasion praised one his his compositions when he published it under a pseudonym, saying "Berlioz could never do that!"). In June 1862 he began a relationship with 24 year old Amélie, 35 years his junior, which lasted until February 1863 when she requested they separate. In 1864 Berlioz was told by a friend that Amélie had passed away from poor health, and he later found her grave at the Cimitière Montmartre, learning that she had been dead for six months.
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