Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony / Respighi: Pini di Roma

Tchaikovsky's 'Manfred Symphony' is in reality a four-movement symphonic poem. The work is based on a dramatic poem by Byron, its subject matter recommended to Tchaikovsky by composer Mily Balakirev. Tchaikovsky's work is grandly orchestrated and captures the yearning and dark drama of Byron's poem. Highlights include the melancholy opening movement recounting Manfred's journey through the mountains, a quicksilver scherzo-like second movement depicting the fairies of the Alps, and a emotional finale portraying Manfred's death. Romanian conductor Constantin Silvestri was a Tchaikovsky specialist and he leads the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with a keen eye for orchestral detail without compromising dramatic flow. Silvestri and the orchestra are also in top form for Ottorino Respighi's grandly orchestrated tone poem, 'Pini di Roma.' Respighi's piece is a musical portrait of the glories of Rome. 'Pini di Roma' is characterized by Respighi's frequently spectacular orchestration and striking harmonies. The piece is unique as it is the first to utilize prerecorded sounds--a recording of a nightingale. Silvestri draws an astonishing range of tonal colors from the orchestra in a performance that is filled with vitality.