PROGRAM NOTES
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THE PATHÉTIQUE SYMPHONY the midst of a cholera epidemic – when all water was to be boiled – led to his death nine days after the premiere of his sixth symphony . What began as surprise that a wealthy person could die from a “ poor man ’ s ” disease , morphed into speculations of suicide , and then the myth that continues to make rounds today : Tchaikovsky intended his B minor symphony as his swan song .
But the reality doesn ’ t rob the Symphony No . 6 , Op . 74 of its emotive power . It remains a work of tremendous passion , hence the “ pathétique ” descriptor . It features some of Tchaikovsky ’ s most recognizable techniques : ear-catching melodies ; drama ; massive orchestral forces , all for the service of an ending that is not expected and anything but underwhelming .
I . Adagio-Allegro non troppo begins with a slow , morose introduction . The strings bring in the main theme unspooling into a polyphonic , sonata form ranging from fragmented thematic statements to call-and-response between strings , woodwinds , and brass . But Tchaikovsky doesn ’ t let standards of form determine his direction : the concluding sections shifts to a rhapsodic
resignation , the second theme serving as a de-escalation , to a tender brass and woodwind chorale supported by pizzicato in the strings .
II . Allegro con grazia reminds us that Tchaikovsky is all about movement and elegance . While 5 / 4 meter is not typical in the western canon , it is no less elegant than its more common 3 / 4 counterpart . The movement is in ternary form , featuring a more somber melody in the B section . Like many symphonists before ( Haydn ) and after ( Price ), Tchaikovsky drew upon dance meter and character . But unlike most of his fellow symphonists , this dance movement comes second rather that third . His reason ?
It serves the story , as III . Allegro molto vivace is a rush ; a virtuosic caper ; full of joy , confidence , and exuberance . Tchaikovsky doesn ’ t have time for a development section , because that ’ s not the point : the main theme and its variants are the draw , emerging in different textures and instrumentations , all towards a triumph that ’ s almost tragic . Like all good things , it can ’ t last forever .
Which brings us to IV . Finale : Adagio lamentoso . The opening melody signals something
tragic and sorrowful . But it ’ s the second melody that takes your heart and squeezes . Leaves that ache in your chest , the tears come , the ones you don ’ t brush away . Here is the passion , that flurry of emotion that can only be sustained for so long . That must come to an end . That must be let go .
Instrumentation Three flutes , two oboes , two clarinets , two bassoons , four horns , two trumpets , three trombones , tuba , timpani , bass drum , cymbals ( pair ), tam-tam , and strings .
Musical Terms Polyphony : A type of musical texture consisting of two or more simultaneous lines of independent melody . Sonata : A type of musical composition , usually for a solo instrument or a small instrumental ensemble , that typically consists of two to four movements , or sections , each in a related key but with a unique musical character . Pizzicato : A playing technique that involves plucking the strings of a string instrument .
WHERE YOU LIVE
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Your address for an unparalleled retirement lifestyle
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With a change of address to Mercy Ridge , retirement living means a welcoming residential neighborhood and spectacular views — the perfect setting close to everything you know and love . Here , you ’ ll find a continuing care retirement community set on 32 carefully tended and beautifully landscaped acres in Timonium , just a short drive from the Inner Harbor and all the culture , attractions and excitement of Baltimore .
Call ( 410 ) 561-0200 to schedule a visit .
Mercy Ridge is committed to providing equal housing opportunities for all races , religions , ethnic groups and disabilities . A joint venture of Mercy Health Services and The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore .
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