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Tchaikovsky's Pathetique
by Silvia Francesca Maglione
If you ever heard Tchaikovsky’s sixth symphony in B minor Pathetique, you will immediately realize that it’s not a usual one; it’s written with his soul. He has in fact stated himself: “Without exaggeration, I have put my whole soul into this work”. Tchaikovsky died nine days after the symphony’s premiere. This symphony presents some very depressing aspects such as the presage of death, interpreted by a bassoon solo at the very beginning. The tempo is mainly in three fourths but in the second movement, it is changed to an unusual five fourths, suggesting a form of waltz. Also the dynamics vary from a pppppp (very softly indeed) in the first movement to a fff (very loud) in the last, ominous movement.
Pathetique is a literal translation from the Russian pateticheskii, which means passionate, and not inspiring scornful pity (like pathetic in English). This name was suggested by Tchaikovsky’s brother Modest, and it was published with this name, although Piotr didn’t want to. He preferred the name Programmnaia (Program symphony) but then he was afraid that the name would reveal too much about the ‘secret program’ of the symphony. Many critics have tried discerning the obscure meaning of this “secret program”. All of them, suggesting a different theory. The only certainty is given by the broad difference of passages, hinting to a profound hidden meaning, which will continue puzzling listeners encouraging them to wonder on Tchaikovsky’s music if not his own private life and concerns.
Tchaikovsky died of cholera. What is greatly discussed among critiques is whether he died by accident or not. At the time, drinking infected (not boiled) water was an insanity, and if he drank it on purpose it was because his homosexuality was about to be known, and it would’ve impacted the relationship with the Czar, thus losing the appreciation earned (meaning the end of his artistic career).
In such case, this symphony would be considered as Tchaikovsky’s suicide note.
Ideas on Tchaikovsky’s death are still very conflicting and uncorroborated. What remains for sure is his splendid Music able to communicate the listener amazingly strong emotions.
The views and opinions in this blog post are those of its author.
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