Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, 'Pathétique', was sketched in just 12 days and scored over the following four weeks in 1893.
Composition History
The title 'Pathétique' for Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 was suggested by his brother Modest the day after the premiere.
Performer Biography
The Russian National Orchestra, conducted by Mikhail Pletnev, was the first Russian orchestra to win a Grammy Award, for their 2004 recording of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.
Critical Reception
Tchaikovsky considered his Symphony No. 6, 'Pathétique', his best work, despite its only moderate success at its premiere.
Performer Biography
Mikhail Pletnev, the conductor, won the Gold Medal and First Prize at the 1978 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow at age 21.
Recording & Production
Gramophone magazine called the Russian National Orchestra's first CD in 1991 'an awe-inspiring experience' and listed it as the best recording of Tchaikovsky's Pathétique in history.
Compositional Technique
The Symphony No. 6, 'Pathétique', is unique in symphonic history for its structure, including a finale that subsides into Hades rather than a triumphant Allegro.
You might also enjoy...
Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27 & Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (Remastered 2023)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5, Capriccio Italien
Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 13 & Vocalise in C-Sharp Minor
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 - Capriccio Italien
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 - Vocalise
Rachmaninov: Symphony no.2
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3 / Melodie in E / Polichinelle
