Tchaikovsky “Pathetique / Passionate Symphony”
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was the first Russian composer whose music made a lasting impression internationally.
Tchaikovsky led a complex life … His life was highlighted by personal crisis and depression. It begins early in his life from being educated for a career as a civil servant who then transitioned to music to become one of the greatest contributors of classic music in romantic period. His personal life was also complicated … from having to live a married life which was in conflict to his homosexual desires; and also having lead a fourteen years of strong but strange affair with a woman through letter correspondences only.
On 16/28 October 1893, Tchaikovsky conducted the premiere of his Sixth Symphony, the Pathétique, in Saint Petersburg. That was his final work. The intended meaning of Pathétique was “Passionate Symphony”
In retrospect the Pathétique can be seen as a reflection and culmination of the composer’s deeply discordant life. The narrative plan of Pathétique, was never elaborated by Tchaikovsky. The music story lived in his mind alone, and he regarded that it was impossible to put into words. We can safely assume that the music had significant emotional impact on Tchaikovsky as he was seen weeping often as he wrote it. Tchaikovsky reportedly proclaimed the “Pathétique” to be his finest achievement and was quite proud and satisfied.
Below is the music analysis of “Pathetique” performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Herbert von Karajan on January 10–16, 1984 at Vienna Musikverein Saar. Reference music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qgo1KFj0do
First Movement：Adagio — Allegro non troppo 0.00 to 18:20
Movement Score 17/20 (Melody score 8; Excitement score 9)
The movement opens with a low bassoon melody. At 1:45 Music enters into dance like form indicating joyous and playful phase, but soon the mood transforms with intensity. Throughout the movement, the music progresses with varying mood. A slow melodic form starts at 4:20. At 7:30 Music picks up in intensity; and then comes down from its peak. At 9:35 the drama surges with loud music indicating an intense mood. The movement ends similar to its beginning… with a very low melody.
Second Movement：Allegro con grazia 18:24
Movement Score 17/20 (Melody score 9; Excitement score 8)
The second movement, a dance movement has been described as a “limping” waltz. The opening contrasts with the darker B section where the timpani sound on every beat. A graceful coda leads to a quiet ending.
Movement has a melodious/joyful beginning suitable for elegant ball room dance, @ 20:15 music inserts plucking within the melodious segment which may indicates appearance of a new character into the ball room; @20:54 music then builds up; @21:20 music turns into a slow swing; @23:30 there is part of music which could represent a sorrowful mood; @24:57 the clever plucking appears again; @25:42 music builds up before slowing down towards the end indicating end of Ball room dance and guests leaving; @ 26:25 there is small segment of somber music.. perhaps indicating partners separating.
Third movement：Allegro molto vivace 27:18
Movement Score 17/20 (Melody score 8; Excitement score 9)
@27:18 Movement has a fast and melodious beginning with a fun twist; @28:55 there is great crescendo; @ 30:06 a unique character enters and then merges with rest of music; music takes various forms depicting a eventful segments in the story. @34:14 band like music showcasing fanfare.
Underlying fast passed rhythm continues throughout the movement and a fantastic crescendo leads to music climax at the end.
Fourth movement：Finale. Adagio lamentoso -. Andante — Andante non tanto 35:51
Movement Score 19/20 (Melody score 9; Excitement score 10)
Movement begins with medium paced music followed by slow and sorrowful mood; the story is somber and suitable for a solo or duel character on stage. @39:55 tragic crescendo music is followed by slow sorrowful segment; @41:35 unique fast music is followed fading down to an intense crescendo indicating emotional distress and pain. The music than drops to beat showcasing a defeat. @42:48 there is insertion of breathing like music followed by a sorrowful tone with softening of music; @43:02 breathing stops and a tone appears indicating a suction or sweeping, perhaps inicating departure of sole. @43:45 music quiets down and @43:52 there is a brief underlying angelic music. Music then slows down in rhythm and amplitude and fades away.
Has anyone ever captured death in music like Tchaikovsky did in fourth Movement ? This segment leaves me in utter awe.
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Music guide: Esin Yardimli Alves Pereira
