‘Manfred’ Symphony in B minor, Op. 58 - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

‘Manfred’ Symphony in B minor, Op. 58 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky completed this symphony in 1885 at the age of 45. While this symphony was never given a number, it was composed between the fourth and fifth symphony. The symphony is a programmatic symphony based on the poem ‘Manfred’ by Lord Byron. By 1868, the works of Lord Byron had fallen out of favour in central Europe, but was still in fashion with Russian audiences. The symphony ‘Harold in Italy’ by Hector Berlioz (composed in 1838) was received with great enthusiasm at a performance in Moscow in 1868. The unusual format of the program symphony (in four distinct movements) and the scenario for the work (the poem ‘Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” by Lord Byron) would be influential in Russia for the next few decades.

It would be the Russian music critic Vladimir Stasov that drafted an intellectual sequel to ‘Harold in Italy’, this time using the poem ‘Manfred’ as the foundation. He sent the scenario to composer Mily Balakirev, who refused the idea. Balakirev sent the scenario to Berlioz, who also declined to adapt the work to music.

Balakirev had been working with Tchaikovsky on the latter’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for several years between 1870 and 1880. As the two composers were already in regular communication, Balakirev suggested to Tchaikovsky at some point in 1881 that he take over ‘Manfred’. Tchaikovsky was hesitant at first, however warmed to the idea over the next few years.

By the time Tchaikovsky had finished the work in 1885, he would be quoted as saying that it “will perhaps be the best of my symphonic works”. The premiere performance of ‘Manfred’ took place in March of 1886 in Moscow, dedicated to Balakirev.

The work is comprised of four movements: I. Lento lugubre 00:00 II. Vivace con spirito 16:08 III. Andante con moto 25:29 IV. Allegro con fuoco 37:50