Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op 36

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Full of drama, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 – dedicated to his supportive patron Nadezhda von Meck – reflects a tumultuous time in his life. We hear "Fate … the fatal power which prevents one from attaining the goal of happiness" in the first notes. Tchaikovsky's words are made good in this musical battle between Fate and Hope. There is an oboe melody at the beginning of the second movement of such poise that it demands our immediate attention. Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Performers: BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Yan Pascal Tortelier Recording date: 01 December 1998 Date of broadcast: 14 July 1999