TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 4, Op. 36 - BERNSTEIN (Pt 1 of 2)

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II. Andantino in modo di canzona

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36, was written in 1877--1878. It is in four movements:

I. Andante Sostenuto—Moderato con anima (F minor)
II. Andantino in modo di canzona (B-flat minor)
III. Scherzo: Pizzicato ostinato (F major)
IV. Allegro con fuoco (F major)

During the composition of the symphony, Tchaikovsky wrote to his patron, Madame Nadezhda von Meck, that he wanted "very much" to dedicate it to her, and that he would write on it "Dedicated to My Best Friend".

The symphony's first performance was at a Russian Musical Society concert in St. Petersburg on February 10 (Old Style)/February 22 (New Style) 1878, with Nikolai Rubinstein as conductor. It is scored for piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, triangle, cymbals, bass drum, and strings.

The second movement is tinged with melancholy and regret.

Initial critical reaction to the work was unfavorable, and reaction to the premiere in the United States was similar. In 1890 a reviewer for the New York Post wrote, "The Fourth Tchaikovsky Symphony proved to be one of the most thoroughly Russian, i.e. semi-barbaric, compositions ever heard in the city. ... If Tchaikovsky had called his symphony 'A Sleigh Ride Through Siberia' no one would have found this title inappropriate." A reviewer in Germany in 1897 wrote "The composer's twaddle disturbed my mood. The confusion in brass and the abuse of the kettledrums drove me away!"

In spite of its early critical reviews, the symphony has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire, and remains one of the most frequently performed symphonies of the late 19th century.

Conducted by: Leonard Bernstein

(We appreciate Wikipaedia's contributions in the descriptions here)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• TCHAIKOVSKY
• Symphony
• No._4
• Op.
• 36
• BERNSTEIN

[hevidt]

THE MASTER OF ALL MASTERS. NO ONE LIKE HIM. thanks for posting this:)

[dthornett]

Sublimely beautiful. I discovered this symphony when I was about thirteen years old and promptly went out and purchased the score. I don't know how I managed to afford it !!

It has remained a favourite with me over the years.

King regards,

Dave

[Bugleur]

Tchaikovsky great composer, Bernstein a very very great musician !

[vk92007]

@dthornett I was barely 12 when I saw Disney's Fantasia and classical music has been a part of my life since the last 50 years

[Yuuka007]

totally agree :)

[morvensky]

have you posted the whole symphony?

[yuhon4]

i LOVE THIS