Repertoire

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique Symphony” (1893) 45′

ARTISTS

Barcelona Symphony Orchestra (OBC
Ludovic Morlot, conductor

Programme

Before the concert, Jordi Oriol and the Indi Gest company will introduce the work by means of a dramatised presentation explaining its context, in a free, creative format.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s tempestuous Sixth Symphony was one of his last works, written during the final months of his life. He died of cholera just nine days after the premiere of the work, which left the audience perplexed.

After discarding an earlier draft, the composer worked tirelessly to create “an exemplary symphony”. As in his earlier works, the composition followed a programme, or plot, but it remained a mystery to listeners. It has come to be known as the “Pathétique” Symphony, reflecting the moving force of the music and the psychological suffering it expresses. The score is full of major contrasts and unusual details, including a surprising slow finale.