Manfred Symphony
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Manfred Symphony in B minor, Op. 58 is a symphony composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky between May and September 1885. It is based on the poem Manfred written by Lord Byron in 1817. It is the only one of Tchaikovsky's symphonies that is not numbered; it was written between the fourth and fifth symphonies.
Contents |
[edit] Orchestration
The symphony is scored for 3 flutes (3rd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes, cor anglais, 2 clarinets in A, B-flat bass clarinet, 3 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 cornets, 2 trumpets, 2 tenor trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, bass drum, cymbals, tam-tam, bells, triangle, tambourine, 2 harps, 1st and 2nd violins, violas, cellos, double basses and organ, featured briefly in the climactic coda of the finale.
[edit] Form
[edit] Overview
Hector Berlioz, by inspiring many Russian composers, played a part in the origins of Manfred. Mily Balakirev had the original idea, though he thought it was not in his character to engage in such composition. As he explained in a letter to Tchaikovsky in October 9, 1882, "this magnificent subject is unsuitable, it doesn't harmonise with my inner frame of mind". He included a detailed programme for each movement, including key signatures:
1st movement. Before setting out the programme, I suggest you look through Berlioz's two symphonies (Symphonie fantastique and Harold). Your future symphony should have its own idée fixe - representing Manfred himself -which would permeate each movement. And so, here is the content of the programme for the first movement:
Manfred wanders in the Alpine mountains. His life is shattered, but he is obsessed with life's unanswerable questions. In life nothing remains for him except memories. Images of his ideal Astarte permeate his thoughts, and he vainly calls to her. Only the echo from the cliffs repeats her name. Memories and thoughts bum and gnaw at him. He seeks and begs for oblivion, which no-one can give him (F-sharp minor; 2nd theme - D major and F-sharp major).
2nd movement. A mood quite different to the first - the programme: The life of Alpine hunters, full of simplicity, good nature and a patriarchal character. Adagio pastorale (A major). Manfred clashes with this, providing a sharp contrast. Of course, you should first have a hunter's tune, but you should be particularly careful not to let it descend into triviality. God preserve you from vulgarities like German fanfares and Jägermusik.
3rd movement. Scherzo fantastique (D major). The Alpine fairy appears to Manfred as a rainbow from the spray of a waterfall.
4th movement (Finale), F-sharp minor, A wild. unbridled Allegro, in the subterranean halls of the infernal Arimanes (Hell), where Manfred arrives, longing to be reunited with Astarte - a contrast to this infernal orgy will be the summons and appearance of Astarte (now in D-flat major, in the first movement D major). Although there the idea was fleeting, like a memory, and was immediately engulfed by Manfred’s suffering, yet here this same idea should appear in a complete and fully-realized form. The music should be simple, transparent, fresh and innocent). Eventually, a return to the Pandemonium, then sunset and the death of Manfred".
The subject was forgotten for a number of years until 1885, when Tchaikovsky purchased a copy of Byron's 'Manfred' and engaged in composing the symphony. Instead of folowing Balakirev's instructions slavishly, Tchaikovsky wrote it in his own style. Initially, he considered it to be one of his best compositions, but wanted a few years later to destroy the score, though that intention was never carried out.
The Manfred Symphony was first performed in Moscow on March 1886, with Max Erdmannsdörfer as conductor. It is dedicated to Mily Balakirev.
[edit] Consensus
Some regard Manfred as one of Tchaikovsky's most brilliant and inspirational works; conductor Arturo Toscanini considered it the composer's greatest composition. (This did not stop him from making changes in the score when he performed it, including a number of cuts). However, others despise it. According to music critic David Hurwitz, composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein referred to it as "trash" and never recorded it.
[edit] Recordings
The symphony has been recorded many times, with recordings made by major orchestras and conductors. Conductors who have recorded the work include Lorin Maazel, Andre Previn, Eugene Ormandy, Yuri Temirkanov, Evgeny Svetlanov, Riccardo Muti, Igor Markevitch, Andrew Litton, Mikhail Pletnev, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Riccardo Chailly, Mariss Jansons, and others. Manfred is less frequently performed in concert. This is due to its length, unfamiliarity, and its requirement for a large orchestra. It is also thought to be very difficult to play well.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- http://www.tchaikovsky-research.net/en/Works/Symphonies/TH028/index.html
- MP3 files of excerpts from the 4 movements
- "Listen online" (BBC Radio, Manfred Symphony performed by BBC Philharmonic; Includes brief review of the work.)
- Manfred Symphony was available at the International Music Score Library Project.
