Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony

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Image courtesy of L'Auditori

The word  “symphony” is Greek in origin, meaning “to sound together, at the same time." Throughout history it has referred to various musical concepts, although its meaning has come to identify a structure of instrumental music for orchestra in four movements. Howeerm neither of the two symphonies in this program follows this model.

The Symphonies of Wind Instruments are, like their composer, Igor Stravinsky, exceptional: dedicated to Debussy, they are written in a single movement. And despite its name, Tchaikovsky’s Manfred symphony is not numbered along with his other symphonies; instead, it is much longer and has an underlying program a story based on a poem by Lord Byron.

The program’s final, central piece is the unusual and spectacular Concerto for Saxophone Quartet by minimalist composer Philip Glass, featuring the extraordinary Kebyart Ensemble.

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