This book is a reflective exegesis of a composer's life. It is inspired by the Mémoires de Hector Berlioz (1865/1870) and, in particular, the commonalities that continue to exist between Berlioz's experiences in the 19th century as a celebrated composer, and the experiences of a near unknown composer in the present time. It proceeds in reverse chronological order, each chapter covering seven years, placing the compositions and other creative works in their relative settings and confronting related issues such as artistic development, funding, employment and performer reception.