Berlioz in Paris
96 rue de Richelieu and 1 rue Neuve Saint-Marc
The conjunction and proximity of these two addresses have special significance in Berlioz’s life. When Berlioz moved to 96 rue de Richelieu in spring 1828 he did not know that Harriet Smithson was staying at the same time close by, at no.1 rue Neuve-Saint-Marc, which was visible from the window of Berlioz’s flat, on the 4th (top) floor. Berlioz was thus able to witness her comings and goings, including her departure for Amsterdam on 2 March 1829 (cf. Memoirs chapter 24). On his return to Paris from Italy in early November 1832, he relates, "Since the flat I was occupying in rue de Richelieu before my departure from Rome was not available, a secret impulse drove me to seek one facing it, in the house previously occupied by miss Smithson (rue Neuve-Saint-Marc, no.1); I took up lodgings there" (chapter 44). The sequel is told at length by Berlioz in the same chapter – how Harriet Smithson attended the concert he gave at the Conservatoire on 9th December 1832 and was introduced to Berlioz the next day. After several months they eventually married on 3 October 1833 at the British Embassy.
All the photographs reproduced on this page were taken by Michel Austin. © Monir Tayeb and Michel Austin. All rights of reproduction reserved.
Berlioz lived in the small flat on the left, top floor.
Main entrance
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