Tchaikovsky wrote a program note for his Symphony No. 5, not intended for publication, describing themes of abandonment to fate, doubt, and the struggle to surrender to faith.
Composer Biography
Tchaikovsky's 1887 tour of major Western European cities, including Berlin, Paris, London, and Vienna, brought him the international recognition he desired.
Composition History
Tchaikovsky began sketching his Symphony No. 5 in May 1888, completing the full sketch by July 4 and the entire work by August 19 of the same year.
Performer Biography
The Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, featured on this recording, was listed among the ten best orchestras in the world by 'Gramophone' magazine in December 2008.
Composition History
Tchaikovsky was particularly satisfied with his work Francesca da Rimini, which he wrote in 1876 after a visit to Bayreuth, inspired by an episode from Dante's Inferno.
Critical Reception
Tchaikovsky's music, including his Symphony No. 5, consistently polarized audiences and experts, with some critics like Alfred Einstein accusing him of 'exhibitionism of emotion'.
Performer Biography
Mariss Jansons, the conductor on this album, is the son of conductor Arvid Jansons and won the Karajan Foundation's conducting competition in Berlin in 1971.
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