Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) intended 'La Damnation de Faust to be a 'dramatic legend' rather than an opera. This is one of many musical works in 19th century that was based on Goethe's Faust. This popular poem was used by many composers to set to music, including Wagner, Schumann, and Liszt. Berlioz wrote most of the work while touring Europe in the mid-1840's. However, the first performance was attended by few audiences. Only two performances were done during Berlioz's lifetime, both considered failures.