Abstract

The article is a complex study of interpretational analysis devoted to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in h-minor op. 74 Pathétique. Introduction to the analysis is a short historic outline of development of symphony from its very beginnings to modern times, with emphasis put on crucial points, which are the turning points in the development of this kind of music. Then, the authoress concentrates on characterizing the symphonic language of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and dis- cussed the Symphony No. 6 Pathétique starting from its genesis to a compact analysis of its form. She points out the elements, which are vital in creating a satisfactory conductors interpretation of the work. The final part of the work is comparison of six phonographic recordings of Tchai- kowski’s Symphony No. 6, made in the 20th century: Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 Pathetique/Ozawa; Boston Symphony Orch. (CD, Erato 6702372), 1991; Czajkowski, Symfonia nr 6Patetyczna/Semkow, WOSPR&TV in Katowicach (LP Muza SX 1808), 1979; Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 Pathetique/Bernstein & New York Philharmonic (CD DG 419 604–2), 1987; Tchaikovsky, Symphony 6 Pathetique/Karajan, Berlin PO (CD, DG 427 862-2), 1964; Tchaikov- sky, Symphony No. 6 Pathetique/Nanut, Ljubljana Radio Sym Orch. (CD, Jan-1990, Pilz Vienna Masters Series), 1990; Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 Pathetique/Ormandy, Philadelphia Orch (LP, Columbia ML 4544), 1953.

According to the subjective assessment of the authoress, the recording of the Symphony made by New York Philharmonic, conducted by L. Bernstein, is closest to the ideal.