Manfred Symphony in B minor, Op. 58 is a symphony composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1885. Based on the poem/play Manfred, written by Lord Byron in 1817. It is regarded as one of Tchaikovsky's most brilliant and inspirational works. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Russian Пётр Ильи́ч Чайко́вский, sometimes transliterated as Piotr, Anglicised as Peter Ilich), (May 7, 1840 – November 6, 1893 (N.S.); April 25, 1840 – October 25, 1893 (O.S.)) was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. ... Manfred was a 1817 poem by Lord Byron, and is considered by some to be his response to the ghost story craze sweeping through England at the time. ... Lord Byron, English poet Lord Byron (1803), as painted by Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron, (January 22, 1788 – April 19, 1824) was the most widely read English language poet of his day. ...

The origin of this symphony dates back to previous years, where Hector Berlioz came to inspire many Russian composers. Mily Balakirev had the original idea, though he thought it was not in his character to engage in such composition, for 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". Portrait of Berlioz by Signol, 1832 Louis Hector Berlioz (December 11, 1803 – March 8, 1869) was a French Romantic composer best known for the Symphonie fantastique, first performed in 1830, and for his Grande Messe des morts (Requiem) of 1837, with its tremendous resources that include four antiphonal brass choirs. ...

The subject was forgotten for a couple of years until 1885, when Tchaikovsky purchased a copy of Byron's 'Manfred' and engaged in composing the symphony. Balakirev had written the programme which was to be followed to the last detail - even the key signatures and modulations which were to be used - but Tchaikovsky chose to write it in his own style. Initially, he considered it (as usual) to be one of his best compositions, but wanted, a few years later, to destroy the score, though that intention was never carried out.

It is scored for 3 flutes (3rd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes, cor anglais, 2 clarinets in A, B-flat bass clarinet, 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 and double basses.

External Links

• MP3 files of excerpts from the 4 movements
• "Listen online" (BBC Radio, Manfred Symphony performed by BBC Philharmonic; Includes brief review of the work.)
• links to sheet music of Manfred Symphony