Tchaikovsky initially refused to compose the Manfred Symphony, partly due to his admiration for Robert Schumann's earlier Manfred Overture and incidental music.
Composer Biography
Tchaikovsky identified with the tortured central figure of Byron's Manfred, possibly seeing parallels between Manfred's guilt and his own feelings of shame about his secret homosexuality.
Critical Reception
After its premiere, Tchaikovsky briefly considered the Manfred Symphony 'my best symphonic work' but later wanted to retain only the first movement as a separate symphonic poem.
Performer Biography
Vladimir Jurowski, the conductor on this album, made his international debut at the Wexford Festival in 1995 and has conducted major orchestras and opera companies worldwide.
Composition History
Tchaikovsky composed the Manfred Symphony in just over four months during the spring and summer of 1885, dedicating it to Mily Balakirev, who had revived the idea for the work.
Composition History
The idea for a four-movement program symphony based on Lord Byron's poetic drama Manfred was first proposed by Russian critic Vladimir Stasov in 1868.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Tchaikovsky often poured his own emotional life into his best works, including his last three numbered symphonies and the unnumbered Manfred Symphony.
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