From the Archives - Tchaikovsky's 'Manfred'

By Frank Byrne,

Sam Wisman

Published August 4, 2025 at 4:22 PM CDT

Lord Byron’s dramatic poem "Manfred" inspired Peter Tchaikovsky to write a sweeping symphonic work based on what Byron called a “metaphysical drama.” The result is a massive tone poem that evokes all the emotions that the printed word could only imply.

Compositions and Recordings

Manfred - A Symphony in Four Scenes
by Peter Tchaikovsky
Igor Markevitch and the London Symphony

From the Archives with Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne is the host of From the Archives.

Sam Wisman

Sam Wisman is Production Director for 91.9 Classical KC and a backup announcer for KCUR 89.3