Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Symphony

“Without exaggeration, I have put my whole soul into this work,” wrote Tchaikovsky while composing his final symphony, a work so filled with emotion that it was given the nickname Pateticheskaya (Passionate), later translated as the Pathétique. A hit at its 1893 premiere (and ever since), the work marked a new high in Tchaikovsky’s career and a new age of the symphonic form, which would inspire generations of composers including Mahler, Shostakovich, Sibelius, and others. It would also inspire later popular music including songs recorded by Glenn Miller, the Platters, Della Reese, and more, as well as in movies including The Aviator and Soylent Green. 

“Electrifying” (Los Angeles Times) conductor Rafael Payare leads this classic, on a program with the Suite No. 2 from Ravel’s magical Daphnis and Chloe and Kaija Saariaho’s evocative, dramatic violin concerto inspired the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and performed here by “fabulously assured and poetic soloist” Carolin Widmann (The Guardian).