Tchaikovsky intended his Sixth Symphony to be a programmatic work, but with a program that would remain a mystery to all.
Tchaikovsky died of cholera just nine days after the 'Pathétique' premiered, leading to speculation that the symphony was a requiem for himself.
Tchaikovsky's brother Modest suggested the title 'Pathétique' for the symphony, a name Tchaikovsky himself praised.
At its premiere, the public did not know how to approach the symphony, though Tchaikovsky was prouder of it than any other work.
Tchaikovsky dedicated the 'Pathétique' Symphony to his favorite nephew, Vladimir 'Bob' Davidov.
The symphony's finale is an Adagio, a significant innovation as finales were typically boisterous Allegros.
This recording marks a new era for the Wiener Symphoniker, as it is the first with their new chief conductor, Philippe Jordan.
