Nadezhda von Meck, a rich widow, provided Tchaikovsky with financial assistance, allowing him to leave the Conservatory and dedicate himself entirely to composition.
Composition History
Tchaikovsky initially rejected the idea of composing a symphonic poem on Manfred in 1882, finding the proposed outline uninspiring.
Composer Biography
Tchaikovsky's full-time music studies began at the new Conservatory of Music in St Petersburg, founded by Anton Rubinstein, in 1863.
Composer's Artistic Vision
For Tchaikovsky, as for Byron, the character Manfred represented the figure of the outsider, an outcast from society, a role in which the composer saw himself.
Instruments
Tchaikovsky's symphonic ballad The Voyevoda was orchestrated after his discovery of the celesta, an instrument best known for its use in the 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' from The Nutcracker.
Composition History
The idea for a work based on Byron's poetic drama Manfred was first suggested by Vladimir Stasov, mentor to the group of Russian nationalist composers known as The Five.
Composer Biography
Tchaikovsky's early education was at home, and from age ten, he attended the School of Jurisprudence in St Petersburg, later working in the Ministry of Justice.
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