From Overrated to Undeniable: My Journey with Tchaikovsky’s Last Symphony

A few years ago, when asked about Tchaikovsky, I probably would have said he was overrated. But now, I find both perspectives to be true.

America's Overpopularized Music Scene

Music has been overpopularized in America. The Nutcracker has become a Christmas ballet so popular; in some ballet companies, it accounts for almost half of their annual revenues. “The 1812 Overture,” originally written to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon, has been repurposed into a theme for American independence from, well, anyone. Swan Lake, though still a distant relative, is a potential choice for an American Thanksgiving ballet. Not a swan, but a turkey in Russia? You’d call it an American swan.

My Introduction to Tchaikovsky

My initial exposure to Tchaikovsky was limited. I always enjoyed his First Piano Concerto but that was about all. This article covers my early discovery of Tchaikovsky.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate Tchaikovsky’s symphonies more. This article delves into my thoughts and feelings on Tchaikovsky’s symphonies.

Evgeny Onegin and Modern Appeal

One significant turning point occurred last year when I fell in love with Tchaikovsky’s opera Evgeny Onegin. I took my son Jonah to watch it, and to my pleasant surprise, he enjoyed the performance and is even okay with me listening to it in the car.

Exploring Symphony No. 6: “Pathétique”

Today, I want to share Tchaikovsky’s last symphony, No. 6, known as “Pathétique” - an exalted ode of passion. For Russians, it could serve as the perfect theme music for the Olympic opening ceremony. This symphony is one of the most quintessential examples of Russian music I can think of, encompassing the grandeur of Russian emotion.

Russian spirit is often nebulous, meaning different things to different people. To me, it’s about Russia's rich literary and musical heritage, its expansive geography, and the cold climate that engenders warm, friendly people despite the fact they might not smile at you on the street. It’s the naiveté of socialism, the illusion of equality, the eternal hope that things will get better, and the almost unconditional blind love Russians have for their leaders.

Conclusion and Recommendation

This symphony is a breathtaking rendition of Russian emotion and passion, something that can be deeply moving and emotionally stirring. One of the only orchestra pieces I can sometimes cry to – it was the conclusion of a war-torn nation and the end of an era.

Herbert von Karajan conducts Symphony Number 6. Read more about Tchaikovsky’s works.

If you are a fan of classical music, be sure to explore more of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire and savor the richness of his compositions. Here is a selection of my favorite classical music by Vitaliy Katsenelson.

Additional Reading

Tchaikovsky, First Piano Concerto Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4 Evgeny Onegin

Discover my early discovery of Tchaikovsky: Learn more about how I first encountered First Piano Concerto and why it was my starting point.

Appreciation of Tchaikovsky’s Symphonies: Delve into the symphonies that caught my attention as I grew older, such as Symphony No. 4.

Additional Reading on Tchaikovsky: Explore more content by Vitaliy Katsenelson on his journey through Tchaikovsky’s works.