Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony features an all-pizzicato scherzo movement, where each orchestral group plays in different keys.
Tchaikovsky conceived and wrote his Fourth Symphony during a turbulent period in his life, immediately following his short-lived marriage in 1877.
Tchaikovsky was fascinated by the concept of Fate, which appears as a leitmotif in his Fourth Symphony and often in his correspondence.
José Serebrier, the conductor on this album, was hailed by Leopold Stokowski as 'the greatest master of orchestral balance' at age 22.
José Serebrier, the conductor, has composed over 100 works, with his First Symphony and other pieces premiered by Leopold Stokowski.
Tchaikovsky dedicated his Fourth Symphony to his benefactress, Mme. Nadezhda von Meck, referring to her as 'To my best friend' on the score.
Tchaikovsky worked on his Fourth Symphony and the fantasy-overture Francesca da Rimini alternately, alongside finishing his ballet Swan Lake, in 1876.
