The title 'Symphonie pathétique' was suggested by Tchaikovsky's brother Modest, and though Tchaikovsky approved it for a day, he later requested a different title, which his publisher ignored.
Compositional Technique
The symphony features a curious and melancholic waltz in 5/4 time, a variant of the 'Valse à cinq temps' Tchaikovsky explored in his Eighteen Piano Pieces, Opus 72.
Critical Reception
Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, Pathétique, was initially met with 'some hesitation' at its premiere, rather than outright failure or scandal.
Composition History
The second performance of the Pathétique, conducted by Eduard Nápravník, made a powerful impression, partly because Tchaikovsky had died twelve days prior.
Composition History
Tchaikovsky initially intended for his new symphony to be called 'Program Symphony (No. 6)' and kept its emotional program a secret, even from his nephew Bob Davidov.
Composer Biography
Tchaikovsky died of cholera, having reportedly drunk a glass of unboiled water during an epidemic in Saint Petersburg.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Tchaikovsky considered the Pathétique his best and most 'sincere' work, stating he had put his 'whole soul into this work' and loved it more than any other musical offspring.
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