Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4: UMD Symphony Orchestra

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s fourth symphony came after a great deal of turmoil in the composer’s personal life. Despair, depression and divorce were hallmarks of the period, and the composition that resulted contains echoes of these experiences. However, despite Tchaikovsky’s relatively pessimistic view of the role of fate in life, not all hope is lost. The beginning movements of melancholia give way to brighter perspectives, roaring to a euphoric conclusion that shows that—regardless of his experiences—Tchaikovsky was determined to be happy.

This performance also features Arturo Márquez’s scintillating Danzón No. 2 and Maurice Ravel’s lush, mythical ballet, Daphnis et Chloé.