Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique"

[Ploutos]

Sometimes, there's just one recording of a piece; if you've experienced this, then you know what I'm talking about. Dozens of orchestras have performed Tchaikovsky's 6th symphony, but I would argue nobody does so more compellingly than a fellow Russian from the Cold War era, as Mravinsky does in this recording. You can find a 2024 remastering of it on YouTube, but I think it loses something when compared to the feel of the old and somewhat scratchy 1960 original. (Nonetheless, if you must...)

The brass is closely mic'd on this recording, the trombones especially so (paging @Alan D. Strange!), which is appropriate, since the first movement of this symphony contains probably the single greatest trombone note in the symphonic literature.

The symphony lives up to its title, and Tchaikovsky's mysterious death shortly after its completion has sparked all sorts of conspiracy theories. At any rate, it lives up to its name, moreso in this recording than any other I've come across. I would be hard-pressed to think of a work of art, literature, or theatre poignant or tragic enough to be worthy of this piece.

The whole symphony is great, but the first movement is by far the best, so if you don't want to listen to Tchaikovsky for 45 minutes, 18 minutes will do just fine.

 

[John Nyberg]

I am looking forward to listening to it (most likely while commuting for work this week). I know so little about classical music, so personal recommendations like these are very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Ploutos]

I'll be interested to hear what you think.

This isn't always true, but there are times when a work really does gain something from being performed by its own countrymen. Something of the national character of a piece also resides in its musicians and this can be particularly true when that national character has a very strong flavor.

It's not a hard and fast rule, of course. I like hearing Sibelius played by Finnish conductors, but my favorite conductors for his symphonies are Colin Davis (English) and Karajan (German). Mahler performed by an English orchestra was a huge disappointment. Bernstein (American) is a favorite for Shostakovich and for Mahler - though, for Mahler, it HAS to be his recordings with the Vienna Philharmonic.

 

[Frisian Gardener]

Chopin played by Artur Rubinstein.

 

[Ploutos]

Agreed.

Chopin played by Artur Rubinstein.

 

[John Nyberg]

What a fantastic recording, JP. The first movement is so exciting, it really kept me on edge. The violin chorus is stunningly beautiful. I certain that I lack the words, being untrained, to fully express my appreciation of it

 

[Ploutos]

What a fantastic recording, JP. The first movement is so exciting, it really kept me on edge. The violin chorus is stunningly beautiful. I certain that I lack the words, being untrained, to fully express my appreciation of it

It's one of the most emotionally gripping and intense pieces in the classical repertoire, and Mravinsky's recording brings out that aspect of it like almost no other. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

 

[LightBringer]

This is one of my favorite symphonies. Quite a lovely recording. I am enjoying it right now.

I would like to read an article about what really happened to Tchaikovsky. Conspiracy theories abound about his life and death.

 

[Ploutos]

This is one of my favorite symphonies. Quite a lovely recording. I am enjoying it right now.

I would like to read an article about what really happened to Tchaikovsky. Conspiracy theories abound about his life and death.

You can read all the articles you want, but the answer is that nobody knows. He drank contaminated water and died of cholera. Unless someone finds a hitherto-undiscovered writing of his, we can't know whether it was deliberate, careless, or simply unknowing. Tchaikovsky's personal life was tumultuous because of his hidden homosexuality (this is well established by his letters to his brother, who was also homosexual) - but to all intents and appearances, he was enjoying a period of personal calm and professional success when he died. There are rumors that he was about to be exposed in some way, of course - but then there are counter-rumors that the rumors are false.