‘Pathetic’ Symphony

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‘Pathetic’ Symphony. Subtitle, authorized by composer, of Tchaikovsky's sym. No.6 in B minor, Op.74. After f.p. in St Petersburg 1893, Modest Tchaikovsky suggested title ‘Tragic’ but composer demurred, immediately agreeing to Pathetic. No reason in Eng. why Fr. title Symphonie Pathétique should be used. Note that Russ. word patetichesky means ‘passionate’ or ‘emotional’ rather than ‘pathetic’.

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