Having touched base with a few of my favorite symphonic composers, Brahms, Beethoven, and Mozart, I realized that two of my ultimate favorite Symphonies come from a guy I haven't featured yet. Tchaikovsky was quite a scholar in his time, with his music tributing his sense of nationalism in being distinctly Russian, it is also garnered a distinct reputation for being tremendously difficult.

Probably one of the most important compositions Tchaikovsky achieved throughout his lifetime was the Fourth Symphony in F minor, Op.36. Tchaikovsky had been the subject of deep criticism and emotional burden as of a result of his homosexuality. The death of his mother early in his life was considered a possible reason for his tendencies as her death spiked Tchaikovsky's sexual development. The Symphony in F minor was viewed as a psychic outlet, a medium of which Tchaikovsky could vent his frustrations and voice his emotions.

First Movement




The symphony itself is a most troublesome journey. It is seen by many as a revelation of fate as was seen in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. It would seem that the "fate" representation would be highly significant seeing the life Tchaikovsky was experiencing upon writing it. The opening fanfare heard in the First movement is ideally that representation of the fate motive. It is that one moment that is the chief thought of the entire symphony.

Tchaikovsky's definition of "Fate," was it being "the fatal power which prevents one from attaining the goal of happiness...There is nothing to be done but to submit to it and lament in vain.". In describing the effect of the Symphony he hoped would be exhibited, Tchaikovsky wrote...

"The programme of the first movement is --roughly--that all life is an unbroken alternation of hard reality with swiftly passing dreams and visions of happiness. No haven exists...Drift upon that sea until if engulfs and submerges you in its depths."

I remember watching the video above, after the first movement was over, all I could muster was "Wow...."

Second Movement


Tchaikovsky wrote of the Andantino:
"It is both sad that so much is now past and gone, yet pleasant to recall one’s youth - both regretting the past, and yet not wishing to begin life over again. Life is wearying. It is pleasant to rest and look around. Memories abound. Happy moments when the young blood boiled, and life was satisfying; there are also painful memories, irreconcilable losses. All this is now somewhere far distant. It is both sad, yet somehow sweet to be immersed in the past."

Third Movement


The third movement is perhaps most famous for having the string section playing pizzicato throughout the entire movement. It is described almost as having no clear directional emotion, just simply, rushing and elusive images running past after having a little too much dinner wine. There's no overwhelming feeling of sadness or joy, simply a mecca of thinking freely.

Fourth Movement


The one amazing thing about this Symphony is that, regardless of programme notes, descriptions of analysis or history of the life of the composer. The Finale is one movement that actually speaks for itself, which I hope is portrayed in the video.

"If within yourself you find no reasons for joy, look at others. Go among the people. Observe how they can enjoy themselves, surrendering themselves wholeheartedly to joyful feelings...'Fate' again appears and reminds you of yourself... You have only yourself to blame; do not say that everything in this world is sad. There are simple but strong joys. Rejoice in others’ rejoicing. To live is still possible."

I was actually surprised that a video of such high standard and quality (Ok, maybe not that high quality, but still pretty darn good) was available on YouTube. It is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Daniel Barenboim on the eve of Opening Night in 1997 at Carnegie Hall.