Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3 "Polish" & Francesca da Rimini

Featuring

Maurice Abravanel
Utah Symphony Orchestra
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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Performer Biography

The Utah Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1940, became internationally recognized under Maurice Abravanel, its Music Director from 1947 to 1979, undertaking four international tours and releasing over 100 recordings.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Tchaikovsky was a thorough professional, selective in his idols (Mozart), modest towards his contemporaries, and extremely self-critical, often revising works like Romeo and Juliet multiple times.

Critical Reception

For decades, Tchaikovsky's music was disdained in some circles for being too popular, even as his concerts consistently sold out.

Performer Biography

Maurice Abravanel, conductor of the Utah Symphony Orchestra, was the youngest and most controversial conductor to step onto the Metropolitan Opera podium in 1936.

Compositional Technique

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 3 is his only symphony in a major key and the only one with five movements, an addition to the conventional four.

Composition History

The nickname 'Polish' for Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 3 was not given by the composer but by Sir August Manns six years after Tchaikovsky's death, based solely on the final movement's 'Tempo di polacca' marking.

Cultural Impact

Many of Tchaikovsky's melodious works were adapted into popular songs and 'Hit Parade' favorites, with themes from his Piano Concerto No. 1 and Fifth Symphony becoming Tin Pan Alley classics.