Question by Dan Mor: What do you think is the best Tchaikovsky Symphony?
And do you know what well tempered clavier song was in the movie Shindler’s List?
Answers and Views:
Answer by The Rose River Bear
I feel his Sixth is his best. I find the Fifth to be a little repetitive. The fourth is great but not as inventive as the Sixth.
All of his symphonies are masterpieces. I was raised on the Sixth as a child so I am a little biased towards it. My Mother, God rest her soul, felt it was one of the greatest symphonies ever written. I tend to agree with her. I own around eight recordings of the symphony.
PS- All including Manfred.
Read all the answers in the comments.
Give your own answer to this question!
mephistopheles says
I agree with the common consensus here that it's the 6th in B minor the "Pathetique".
Also I have a particular predilection for tragic endings that finish in quiet repose and there are few better examples than this work's final movement where the music seems to drift off into the abyss.
I can't understand some of the flak that the 5th has received though.
It is as intensely dramatic as anything Tchaikovsky ever wrote.
Like the Manfred(equally brilliant) it incorporates a repeating motto theme heard in all four movements which gradually transforms the work from it's plaintive opening to one of triumphant optimism as heard in the final march.
The second movement with the memorable solo horn introduction must surely be one of his most perfectly crafted ideas.
The most thrilling version I've ever heard is a live recording at the Salzburg Festival a few years back conducted by Valery Gergiev.
Absolutely astounding,highly recommended yes I think it even beats the superb Mravinsky and Jansons versions.
Regarding your second query.
One of the responders has correctly identified the piece by J.S Bach.
It is his Prelude to English Suite No.2 which is played during the scene of the liquidation of the Krakow Ghetto.
Charles B says
I'm listening to No. 5 while answering. I would usually answer that No.6, the Pathetique is my favorite. I actually enjoy most of Tschaiwsky's music. It can get repetitious and actually sounds immature at times, but I like it anyway.
del_icious_manager says
It's a terrible shame most people slavishly stick to Nos 4, 5 and 6. I actually think No 5 is a very weak work indeed (even Tchaikovsky recognised its shortcomings) and I find it hard to take. No 4 is rather better but that repetitive, sequence-obsessed slow movement drives me to distraction. No 6 is a masterpiece by any standards and I love it. I also wish the Manfred Symphony (written between Nos 4 and 5) was played a bit more. It does have its longeurs, however.
However, I always fly the flag for poor, neglected No 3 (the 'Polish' symphony). It's Tchaikovsky's only major-key symphony and it's in five (instead of the usual four) movements. It was written around the same time as 'Swan Lake' and shares with the ballet a beautiful lyricism, sweep and drama that I find missing in, say, No 5. I love No 3 and that will remain my Tchaikovsky symphony of choice.
Bach didn't write any songs.
Boy Wonder says
Obviously the 6th. It's the only symphony in which all 4 movements are worth listening to, and above all, the most mature piece he wrote.
The 2nd best is the 5th.
The 4th is good, the 1st movt is the best movt, I love the 3rd movt, so plucky! The 4th movt leaves something to be desired though. A little dry and superficial.
His symphonies tend to start out good, then get worse as the symponies go on. He was a great 1st movement composer. The exception is the 6th. The last movement of that symphony came straight from the heart, and was geniusly written.
But one thing is for sure, its always easy to tell Tchaikovsky's music from other composers'!
I believe Tcaikovsky may not be even in the top 10 greatest composers in sheer quality and talent, but his uniqueness alone makes up for his shortcomings. He is in my top 5 favorites. Of course, Mahler being #1 in my list of favorites.
Boy Wonder
Malcolm D says
I love all of the last three… but if I had to pick one (it would be a toss up between 4 and 6) I'd have to pick 4. But it is a difficult choice… especially if you have the (expensive) versions by the Leningrad Phil with Mravinsky.
I have the next best version by The Berlin Phil under Von Karajan which is also superb.
summer breeze says
The sixth is great, but I prefer the beauty of the Fifth.
Doctor John says
The even numbered symphonies are to be preferred.
philbrigman says
I think #2 is the best.
Not sure about well tempered clavier, however,
Bach- Bourrée English Suite No.2 was in Schindler's list.
Condom L says
that one were they sing
Danny says
Tchaikovsky will always be my favorite composer . He truly was the master..My favorite is " Piano Concerto NO. 1 in B-Flat Minor " started in 1874 , he reworked the solo part in 1889. My second would be " Marche Slave" and anyone that was fortunate to hear "1812 Overture" with the Boston Pops Orchestra , under the direction of Arthur Fiedler can truly understand the majesty of this beautiful music with all of Bostons Church bells ringing and the cannon being fired right on cue . It was breath taking .. I was fortunate to see and hear Itzhak Perlman play the theme from Shindlers List . There wasn't a dry eye in the music hall ..It's nice to know in this day and age we still have people that love and appreciate good music..