Curating Music History: Finale from 4th Symphony (Tchaikovsky)
The Russian composer Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) is perhaps one of the most recognisable names from the Romantic period of music. Best known for his ballet music such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, his music is instantly recognisable by the general public even if the exact names or provenance isn't.
During his composing life, the Russian Music school was dominated by the five composers that formed the nationalistic facing New Russian School (otherwise known by the nickname "The Mighty Handful") of music. These composers were the well known Russian composers, Balakirev, Cui, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Borodin. However, the more Western education that Tchaikovsky was brought up with (he was educated along the career lines for a public servant) meant that his music was less in accord with the Russian school, and more influenced by the trends in the West.
He composed 6 symphonies during his life, of which this 4th Symphony is one of the more famous. It is a fate that deals with the concept of "Fate", with the theme representing fate being introduced in the first movement, before being escaped from in the middle movements and then returning with a huge epic splash in this last movement! There is no escaping fate....
“Go among the people. See how they understand how to be happy. But no sooner have you forgotten yourself in contemplation of the joys of others than Fate returns to remind you . . .”
These are the words that Tchaikovsky used to inspire and frame this last movement. There was a written narrative to describe each of the four movements of this symphony, of which fate is the overriding central theme.
I won't go into the details in this particular post, but Tchaikovsky was not a happy man, indeed there were aspects of his personal life which were at odds with the societal norms of the time, which led to him being a very depressive person!
The Performers
The Chicago Symphony Orchestras is one of the leading American orchestras, and coupled with Daniel Barenboim, produces this amazing rendition of the last movement of this "Fate" Symphony.
Keep in mind that the movement before this is one that portrays a tender and almost frivolous happiness. The opening of this movement just smashes that temporary illusion aside... Fate is back with a vengeance!
Previous Curating Music History posts
Last movement from "Jupiter" Symphony #41 (Mozart)
Overture to Midsummer Night's Dream (Mendelssohn)
Histoire du Tango: Cafe 1930 (Piazzolla)
Last movement from Violin sonata 2 (Prokofiev)
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Britten)
'Sonata in d minor for violin and continuo" (Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre)
'Sonata duodecima' for Violin and Continuo(Isabella Leonarda)
Chaconne from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme (Lully)
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Things I learned today on the radio:
Sounds like a normal artist there ;)
I'm not sure, but I think he was also homosexual in a time where it wasn't acceptable to be so.
Yes, he was, but that wouldnt make a difference in my list, as I didn't state what gender his romantic lover had.
Or should that be an extra point?
:)))
_
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Didn't know much about the history of opera music thanks for the post.
Thanks! Just for future, it is symphonic music! Opera comes with singing!
One of my favourite composers, alongside Smetana. Great piece!
Oooh, Smetana! I also haven't listened to his music for such a long time! I must try it again!
I loved this post @bengy! Without a shadow of doubt Tchaikovsky was a great master! And what melody, orchestration and counterpoint! Gorgeous! A privilege listen this work, even more with this orchestra and conductor!!
Thanks! This is an awesome performance, it has been ages since I had listened to any Tchaikovsky, so it was a refreshing change!
well written ~ Tchaikovsky in a nutshell.
I think his soul needed the torments and the malcontents to write the way he did...
Great hardship does sometimes create great art! But I think I would personally choose for a less miserable life!
Always a pleasure to check you musical posts @bengy
Oh yes Tchaikovsky is one of my favourite composers 🎼💙
Yes, I loved his music when I was younger, but then forgot about it when I specialised in earlier music! It's nice to return and rediscover it again!
Not sure if it was the fan blowing on "high"or the music, but I got goosebumps listening to this...
Namaste, JaiChai
Hopefully the music!
Oddly enough, I began to enjoy classical music like this when I was a little girl watching Bugs Bunny cartoons :) I didn't know until much later that it was actually "classical music", I just knew that I liked the sound of it!
This piece is wonderful :) Thank you for sharing! I'm forwarding this to @asapers and hopefully it will be showcased in our next READ me ASAP publication.
Weirdly enough, loony tunes did introduce many to Classical music! Somehow, they did mane to fit it to make it work in a really great way, rather than using classical music as the 'straight man' of the 'boring music' that is so often done today...
That's so true @bengy! I hadn't thought about how it's portrayed today ... that's really sad, isn't it?! People are left with such a negative prospective that way! Hmmm thanks for bringing that to my attention actually; I never put that together!
Great post @bengy! As always :)
When it comes to classical music, you are the man!
Btw, if there any chance you will post about Eric Satie? I’ve just listened to one of his compositions, And I loved it....
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I will find something for you!