How to Listen to Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony

Symphony no. 5 in E minor by Peter Tchaikovsky is a perfect example of a Romantic-era symphony—colorful, complex and above all, passionately emotional. It has been an audience favorite ever since its premiere in 1888, not only because of its memorable melodies and emotional richness, but also because of its thought-provoking musical depiction of timeless, abstract concepts like fate and providence. Here are a few ideas to stimulate your mind and imagination as you listen to this unforgettable symphony.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A recording of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 5 in E minor Op. 64
• <br>A good stereo system
• <br>A lively imagination
• <br>Drawing pad and pencil (optional)

1. Start the music and make yourself comfortable. Close your eyes and let the music wash over you.

2. The first movement opens with a slow, ponderous statement of the theme of fate, a melody that will recur in various forms throughout the symphony. This time the theme is dark and somber, almost funereal. About two and a half minutes into the movement, the music becomes faster and more energetic but still remains dark and apprehensive, occasionally punctuated by loud, almost violent outbursts. It’s as if fate is coming after a person with every malevolent tool in its bag—sorrow, foreboding, threats. Attach any mental imagery to this idea that you’d like.

3. The second movement features a tender, expressive melody played by the French horn that sounds almost like a love song. Fate has given our protagonist some breaks, and things are going well for her—for a time, at least. But then the original theme suddenly and rudely interrupts the reverie, as if the protagonist is only able to escape from her troubles for a short time before some reminder crops into her mind and she is brought back to reality.

4. The third movement begins like a graceful, pastoral waltz. Once again, it feels as if our hero has escaped from fate’s cruel clutches. This time, the illusion of safety lasts for nearly the entire movement, but about 45 seconds from the end, there is a quiet statement of the “fate” theme that is both innocuous and ominous—as if it was hiding in the bushes all along. Try as she might, our protagonist cannot ignore or escape fate.

5. In the final movement, Tchaikovsky transposes the “fate” theme from the dusky, moody key of E minor to the bright sunshine of E major, and the transformed melody blossoms into a triumphant march. It’s as if Tchaikovsky is telling us that humans cannot ignore or escape from their fate, but they can overcome their circumstances and transform them into something brighter and better. These abstract and universal themes can be applied to almost any particular set of events or images, and I encourage you to dream up some of your own.

6. When the music is over, open your eyes. If you want, sketch some of your impressions on your drawing pad.