An Analysis of Symphonies
... symphonic works to soar into the first movement. This theme was a very powerful one because it had not prelude- the outline itself had no accompaniment. It is a powerful work, as opposed to being a passionate one. There was a compelling sense of organic development in the first movement. A feeling of serenity creeps in as early as the second subject of the first movement, even though this is a minor-key symphony. In the second movement, a much slower one, the cello solo emerged naturally from the ensemble in the Andante cantabile, which continued in the trio (middle section) of the scherzo (third movement). By the finale (fourth movement), a vivace (in a lively and spirited manner) in antidotal C Major, the symphony becomes a source of sheer, musical bliss. By the close of this symphony, all sense of c minor was forgotten; as well it might have been a bud bursting into final flower in an astounding C Major in life. Haydn played plentiful tricks in this symphony: the sudden jagged silences in the first movement and later in the third: the bits of concerto played here and there, especially the cello solos in the minuet (Alan Rich). The famous Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky was born at Votkinsk on 7th May, 1840 (Harrap’s Illustrated Dictionary of Music and Musicians). As a child he was attracted to music and revealed an above average musical ability. His parents however did not recognize his musical talents and had no intention of preparing him for a career in music. He was sent to the School of Jurisprudence to study law, and at nineteen went into the Ministry of Justice as a clerk. Nevertheless he did continue his piano lessons, dabbled a little in composition, and joined a choral class. But as soon as the St. Petersburg Conservatory opened in 1862, he enrolled as a student. In 1877 he engaged in a disastrous marriage, that later ended in divorce, to conceal his homosexuality. The general plan of Tchaikovsky’s symphonies includes a very 'pessimistic' first movement, a sad, peaceful second and allegro movement (often in dance form) and a fourth movement full of vigor. His 6th symphony, the Pathetique, however, is an exception. The themes are broad, decorative, and striking, and the orchestration is rich - but without any attempt at spectacular effects. The last movement is slow and mournful, and recent research reveals the reason. The Pathetique was only partly finished when news spread of a homosexual 'encounter' Tchaikovsky had with a fellow student. He was tried by an illegal court and condemned to die by his own hand. The composer finished the symphony as a farewell to life (Harrap’s Illustrated Dictionary of Music and Musicians). There is a slow introduction to this symphony that is unusual because it begins in the subdominant key - E minor, solemnly introduced by the bassoons. It then transforms into B minor, and the tempo increases for the principal subject. This theme is elaborated and developed, and a march-like motif forms a bridge passage leading to a climax. The strings then introduce the soaring and song-like second subject in D major. A descending pizzicato bass provides a background for the brass, which brings the movement to a close. The second movement begins like a typical Tchaikovsky waltz, except for the unusual feature of a 5/4 time signature broken into 2+3 beats per measure. The first theme, in D major, is basically an upward scale with a triplet in the middle, wh...