Symphony No. 4 (Tchaikovsky)
The Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote his Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op 36 in 1877. Parallel to the opera Eugene Onegin was the symphony at the time, as Tchaikovsky's mysterious correspondence began to his patroness, Nadezhda von Meck, and he hapless under the marriage with the Conservatory student Antonina Milyukova suffered. Tchaikovsky wrote " our symphony", which he completed in January 1878, "a mon meilleur ami" ( in German: " my best friend "; meant was Mrs von Meck ). The symphony was first performed on 10 February 1878 in Moscow; Conductor was Nikolai Rubinstein.
Structure of the symphony
The occupation of the Symphony consists of piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, triangle, cymbals, bass drum and strings.
Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4, which this " with true inspiration from beginning to end " and " with love and fervent enthusiasm ," wrote applies under Tchaikovsky's works than with the greatest autobiographical close ( to what extent his own program he to Mrs. von Meck sent, is binding on the music, however, is disputed).
At the beginning of the first set (the " the core of the whole symphony, receives no doubt its main ideas ," according to Tchaikovsky ) announces the fanfare of horns and bassoons the inevitable fate. The theme of a waltz and a clarinet solo indicated happiness is short-lived. Reprise and implementation of this set are one.
A lyrical oboe solo initiates the second set and will be taken up by the orchestra.
A pizzicato strings flits through the third set and is accompanied in the recapitulation of the winds.
About the third set interrupts stormy one of a festival be outlined fourth set. " If you can not find a cause for happiness in yourself, you look to others. Go to the people, "advised Tchaikovsky. Ominous fate motif of the first movement reappears, but versa, unimpressed, the festival is over. " Rejoice in the joy of others - and life is but to endure ," wrote Tchaikovsky.
In the fourth movement Tchaikovsky processed a topic from the Overture on Three Russian Themes Alexeyevich Balakirev Mili.
Effect
Mrs von Meck, Tchaikovsky wrote to a telegram, gathered from its " tone and words " Tchaikovsky, " that you are satisfied with the work ." According to Rubinstein Tchaikovsky reported that "the symphony was played very well ," but lost " not a word about their value ." Today, the Symphony No. 4 belongs together with the 5th Symphony and Symphony No. 6 at the most popular of Tchaikovsky's symphonies.