The third movement (Allegro molto vivace) is a thrilling, triumphant march, full of energy and momentum. After the deep emotions of the earlier movements, it builds to a rousing, powerful climax that feels like the grand finale. The music surges to a victorious conclusion—one so convincing that many assume the symphony is over.
“What usually happens at this point,” explains Donato Cabrera, Artistic and Music Director, “is that the audience is compelled, justifiably so, to clap in appreciation. The conductor immediately begins the fourth movement, in a vain, futile, and often comical attempt to quelch the inevitable clapping. Half the audience claps, the other half shushes the clappers, and the conductor has a pained, disapproving grimace for a good portion of the last movement.
What should matter the most, which is the incredible anguish found at the very beginning of the last movement, is completely lost in the kerfuffle. In Tchaikovsky’s day, it would’ve been entirely acceptable and, indeed, encouraged to clap between every movement, allowing patrons to remain engaged and appreciative for the entire evening.”
Hear Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique) live at TCHAIKOVSKY PASSION, on Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 at 4 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Single tickets start at $50 and at $25 for students 25 and under, and include a free 30-minute pre-concert talk starting one hour before the performance. Buy tickets online or call or visit the Lesher Center Ticket Office at 925.943.7469, Wed – Sun, 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
