MY FIRST TCHAIKOVSKY PIECE WAS LIFE CHANGING - REACTING TO SYMPHONY NO.6 "PATHETIQUE" - TCHAIKOVSKY

[@polinamarchenko1007]

I always have goosebumps at the moment from 15:15 to 16:40 - no matter how many times I listen - the first movement is a real dramatic masterpiece! Thank you for the reaction!

[@AhrkFinTey]

It's such a shame that so many conductors rush this passage, one of the most devastating moments in all of music, possibly ever. This conductor did a good job giving it the proper gravitas

[@arontesfay2520]

It does have an overwhelming feeling to it

[@leonpetrich5864]

47:37 "I don´t think the 4th movement is gonna catch me". Famous last words before the 6ths 4th Movement. Though I think its a bit unfortunate you didn´t listen to it right after the 3rd. It just hits different after that triumphant 3rd movement. You think its over, everything is fine, it was a happy end and then it just hits you.

[@davidevans3227]

well said

[@brucefelger4015]

The change in dynamic at 11:45 is one of the greatest i've ever seen written into a score. ppppp-ffff in a single beat.

[@orencisoleta0022]

This was actually the first symphony to end in a dramatically tragic way. The symphonies before this usually feels very triumphant and victorious. That's exactly what the third movement sounds like. So people mistakenly claps at the third movement and then suddenly hit by that tragic strings LOL

[@ootamanabu]

3rd mov is desparate living march. Can't stop suiside way . Time to time, monster changed. So, final is giant march.

[@PauGarriga42]

Tchaikovsky is probably one of the best composers ever. Some of their best works, if you want to react to some of them: - The Nutcracker (I'm 100% sure you know a lot of melodies from this ballet) - The Swan Lake (another fantastic ballet) - Overture 1812 (a fantastic piece about the war between Napoleon and the Russian army, the piece includes the sound of cannons😅) - Valse sentimentale (a short piece for violin and orchestra, very emotional) - Violin concerto (one of the best violin concertos of the history) - Piano concerto (also very good) - Symphonies 4, 5 and 6 (I think these are the best, you just reacted to the 6st) - Romeo and Juliet Overture (a piece that combines dramatic, quiet and emotional moments)

[@polinamarchenko1007]

I entirely support the reaction for Overture 1812 - it's really fantastic (only should be with cannons and bells) (but reacting to it one should know that it contains extracts which were not composed by Tchaikovsky (just in case)) -they were masterfully and dramatically inserted into this creation, for example, the extracts from La Marseillaise and the Russian Empire Hymn and one Russian Orthodox church chant) And I muself suggest the reaction for 'the Seasons' by Tchaikovsky - very soothing melodies

[@waltuh2.3bviews3secondsago3]

I would say everything mentioned above as well as nocturne

[@notishow737]

"it's ya boy - GIDI" this intro never gets old

[@GIDIREACTS]

Yessir

[@davidevans3227]

​@@GIDIREACTS hello.. from the uk.. 🙂 have you been to see/hear orchestra live? something like this symphony, in person, is awesome.. a real journey or even rollercoaster lol

[@aapor2921]

I heard this live last year and I fell into a two month long musical dwell where I could not think about anything else but this symphony. I even wrote some shorts stories that were inspired by me hearing this piece. Now as a person who is learning conducting I have of course learnt this symphony and cannot wait to conduct it for the first time next year!

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

That first movement is a formal masterpiece. The way he integrates the opening of the recapitulation completely into the development section so that when the breakdown of that section is over he can start with the recapitulation of the 2nd Theme right away and maintain the dramatic narrative of the structure without having to repeat the 1st Theme first is just a genius idea. And then the music itself. It is as if Tchaikovsky was saying:"I'm not holding anything back anything any longer. I'm done with this. This is me. My hopes, my desires, my agony, my joy, my despair, Listen to it. Hear me!" The story behind it? No one knows. Tchaikovsky did not live to tell, and even if he did, he was not the kind of person who would go into details of what his music meant. I think it speaks quite clearly for itself. And it seems like you understood what was going on alright.

[@CarlosASainzCaccia]

Life changing indeed. The rollercoaster this symphony is. It is a testament to this symphony that you immediately inferred there was a story behind this music. I don’t think any other symphony has ever captured defeat and despair like this one. The false finale with the triumphant third movement to transition to absolute death, and not a happy death. The fourth movement tries twice to win over the forces pulling it down but it just can’t do it. The most hopeless music ever written.

[@heinedietiker4943]

Tchaikowskys 6th is like his testament, he died shortly after, propably he felt it, propably he wanted to die. So he said goodbye with 4 masterpiece movements. 1. A very well made rollercoster, 2. A complicated 7/4 walz 3. A Beethoven kind of Scherzo/March 4. A Requiem.

[@bryceburgess5981]

Tchaikovskys violin concerto is also a must listen, it’s so beautiful

[@polinamarchenko1007]

If to listen to all of the movements in a row - the whole symphony sounds like LIFE - with all its happy, joyful, romantic, fussy, sad, tragic moments, which constantly change each other. And the final movement sounds like the end of life - the mixture of regrets and a great desire to go on living which, however, ends with the last breath. An extremely rich emotional piece of music. (P.S. And if to know the fact that Tchaikovsky died some days after he gave premiere to this symphony - the final movement sounds grave) Thank you, Gidi, for the reaction!

[@davidevans3227]

that's what it's about isn it?

[@sashakindel3600]

22:56 Such contrasts within a single stretch of music are one of the things that I haven't seen in other genres (in my admittedly limited exposure to them) anywhere near as much as in classical.

[@grisurok]

Love the way you enjoy and pomote classical music. Bless!!

[@capefox8321]

This symphony is like a biography of Tchaikovsky.

[@rosshart9514]

Thank you so much for reacting to the 6th. Total triumph in the 3rd movement, dying and death in the 4th movement. Was my favourite classical piece for many years... until I heard his 5th. The 5th makes my body shake, makes my eyes wet, constricts my throat and makes my mind universal. Listen to the 5th three times if necessary. Listen AS LOUD AS YOU CAN with top earphones/speakers. IMO Tchaikovsky's 5th is, although a totally different atmosphere, on par with Beethoven's 9th. I'd love to see your reaction for Prokofiev's 1st Symphony, aka "Symphonie classique".

[@BlaBla-vm5yu]

I agree you should definitely check out the 5th! When you do, please watch the recording with Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

[@stevenklimecky4918]

This reply really touched me, since Beethoven's 9th and Tchaikovsky's 5th are my 2 favorite symphonies!

[@kaypie3112]

Tchaikovsky 6 was my favorite also…… Until I heard Mahler 2. As good as Tchaikovsky 6 is, and it is an amazing work of art…. Mahler 2 is on a whole other level.

[@rosshart9514]

@@kaypie3112 Thank you. Familiar only with Mahler's 4th (which I looove), 5th and 7th. Now I will turn to his 2nd...

[@kaypie3112]

@@rosshart9514 Good morning Ross. You will not regret it. Start with the final movement and then move on to the rest of it. As a matter of fact, to break it down ever further, start with the final 17 minutes or so of the final movement. Then learn the final movement in it’s entirety, then the whole thing from the beginning.

[@cristianalef6042]

All six symphonies by Tchaikovsky are superb, the ultimate drama extracted for a symphonic work in the Romantic period. It ranges from the beautiful to the tragic in an delightful way. I recommend listening to the other five as well, and when you do, look for a performance by Gennady Rozhdestvensky, a prominent Russian conductor famous for his interpretations of Russian composers, he left us a few years ago. You will not regret! This interpretations is only available in audio (including on youtube), they were recorded in the 70's, but the quality is amazing, it looks like they were recorded yesterday. I strongly recommend the 5th, 4th and 2nd symphonies, and also his 1st and 3rd, they are all perfect!

[@davidevans3227]

have you heard Manfred?? 🙂

[@pjkorab]

There are actually quite a few wild theories about a "hidden message" behind this symphony - definitely fueled by the fact that Tchaikovsky died suddenly and rather mysteriously merely a week after conducting its premiere. I myself would say that if there is a hidden meaning, it lies in the whole biography of the composer. He was, at the point of composing it, an accomplished, celebrated, yet a tired and troubled man, having struggled with depression and his own homosexuality (among other things) for his entire life. This isn't a "premonition of his own death", or a "suicide note in symphony form" (some of the more sentational theories ;] ) - it was just his way of expressing himself and what he's been through at that point of his life: all the struggles, drama, beauty, joys, longings, loss, tragedies and triumphs condensed into a single piece. I really encourage you by the way to look up his biography (there are at least a few quite good documentaries here on yt) - it certainly made me appreciate his music even more and get a better understanding of it :)

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

There is nothing mysterious about his death. All the rumours that it was anything else but a case of drinking contiminatetd water on accident and then dying of cholera, are just that. Rumours.

[@davidevans3227]

the contaminated water thing while seeming like the best theory i think, still seems odd, when people who know more unpick it..

[@davidevans3227]

have you read David brown?

[@aleksklyar]

Он не был гомосексуален. Он буквально переписывался с сестрой о том, как влюблялся в разных девушек. Он буквально страдал(плакал) от того, что его отвергла одна дама, он буквально пытался пожениться на оной, но ничего не вышло. Он буквально пишет в дневнике, как ходит по домам шл*х. О его гомосексуализме может намекать только один единственный текст сомнительного происхождения, который, якобы, нашла какая-то женщина после смерти оного. Известно, что у него было много поклонниц, которые могли бы хотеть таким образом отомстить ему за отвержение. Он крайне тонкая натура, крайне сентиментальная, но никак не гомосексуальная. Что вообще за отвратительная идея, что его вершина творчества - эта ода собственной сексуальной ориентации. Вы совсем свихнулись? Вы вообще не понимаете русских людей. Если так интересно узнать что-то о 6 симфонии и ее смыслах, то вот отрывок из письма брата Чайковского Модеста Ильича чешскому музыковеду Рихарду Батке: "...Но если Вы всё-таки хотите, я сообщу Вам то немногое, что узнал от брата.- продолжает в письме Модест Ильич. - Первая часть представляет собой его жизнь, сочетание страданий, душевных мук, с непреодолимым томлением по Великому и Возвышенному, с одной стороны, борьбу со страхом смерти, с другой - божественную радость и преклонение перед Прекрасным, перед Истиной, Добром, всем, что сулит вечность и небесное милосердие. Так как брат большую часть своей жизни прожил ярко выраженным оптимистом, он закончил первую часть возвращением второй темы. Вторая часть, по моему мнению, представляет собой ту радость жизни, которая не может сравниться с преходящими мимолетными радостями нашей повседневной жизни, радость, музыкально выраженная необыкновенным пятидольным размером. Третья часть свидетельствует об истории его развития как музыканта. Это не что иное, как шалость, игра, развлечение в начале его жизни до двадцатилетнего возраста, но потом всё это делается серьезнее и кончается достижением мировой славы. Ее и выражает триумфальный марш в конце. Четвертая часть - состояние его души в последние годы жизни - горькие разочарования и глубокие страдания. Он приходит к мысли, что слава его как художника преходяща, что сам он не в силах побороть свой ужас перед вечным Ничто, тем Ничто, где всему, что он любил и что в течение всей жизни считал вечным, угрожает бренность..."

[@mutedlion74]

I HAVE A RECOMMENDATION!! Yes. Rachmaninoff Symphony 2, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2, and finally Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini Op. 43 Thank you! Just had to recommend these, I guarantee these will be some of most beautiful pieces you've ever heard!

[@anthonynestor4337]

he’s already reacted to rachs second piano concerto, as well as his third. but i definitely agree with rach’s 2nd symphony and rhapsody on a theme of paganini!!

[@mutedlion74]

@@anthonynestor4337 Oh, I guess I missed the piano concerto one, but good to know cause now I’m watching it!!

[@bluerev]

Great reaction. 👍What an absolute masterpiece.. that finale is just devastating. I love how this part 29:43 from the 2nd mvmt resurfaces at the end of the 4th... sounds like a memory from long ago coming back in one's last moments on earth. Or is it a fate motif foreshadowing what's to come? So beautifully heartbreaking.

[@arjunsom2392]

Listen to the full Nutcracker Ballet by Tchaikovsky (the flute part in your intro is from that piece) if you want something light and fun

[@thethikboy]

The supreme Romantic symphony - The soul poured out in uncontrolled weeping.

[@ellilvato8230]

Looove youre reactions!! 😍😍😍

[@sirtom23]

One of my favorite symphonies of all time. Also you should react to Alpine Symphony by Strauss.

[@daniloapostolov-dacatv1536]

I like it.

[@starrynight1657]

I actually moved ahead to the third movement to see what you thought of that. The scintillating orchestration gives a hint at what a great composer of ballet he was. He also did one of the greatest ever piano concertos, his 1st. His greatest rival at the time was Brahms, and this symphony and Brahms 4th symphony are two of the most acclaimed pieces of this period. Overall I prefer the Brahms piece. I'm sure you could compare the 3rd movements and slow movements. Both are in a minor key.

[@philipadams5386]

Music in the 19th century became increasingly dramatic. Prior to that time, movements of symphonies and concertos had more stable moods.

[@kaypie3112]

LMaO “I’m so relaxed right now. Thats how calm this piece is.” Standby: Cue 6 minutes of some of the most dramatic and chaotic music ever composed.

[@adrianoargenziano3103]

Il primo movimento e' straordinario e anche il piu' conosciuto, ma il movimento finale... che pathos... che drammaticita'... il brano che ha cambiato la storia dei finali della sinfonia.

[@ICanPickLocks]

A piece you should react to a bit later in your classical journey is Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. It's maybe the first sort of "modern" piece you should listen to. Really eye opening.

[@timgoode3342]

It's worth watching Ken Russell's 1971 film The Music Lovers. The drama of this symphony's final movement is shockingly choreographed to the end scenes of Peter Tchaikovsky's life.

[@burgundy.v]

This was kind of a suicide note for Tchaikovsky. I mean, you can hear it in the last movement

[@aenyx_]

khatchaturians masquerade suite is a must!

[@AdamNisbett]

So was the intro for your channel created sometime after watching this originally? Cause before I saw it was a reupload I found it amusingly ironic that it was titled “First Tchaikovsky Piece” when the intro song is also by Tchaikovsky.

[@GIDIREACTS]

Lol fun fact it took me a while to realize my intro was from Tchaikovsky… I was so ashamed when I found out

[@enzobaldanza5364]

10:48 last words lmao

[@deltakappa4970]

59:41 Η απόλυτη έκφραση της τραγικότητας....

[@gabrielavalentim1742]

This piece is life changing in many ways! Would be nice if you react to Tchaykovsky Violin Concerto performed by Janine Jansen, that performance is simply amazing :)

[@jackelkin2356]

Hey Gidi, love the videos. Think you should react to Piano Sonata in B minor by Franz Liszt!

[@bryceburgess5981]

Oooh yes I love that one

[@JohannesBrahms-1833]

🔥🔥🔥

[@jak.cr1ym]

Many people during concerts mistakenly clap after the end of the 3rd movement, not realizing that there was still the forth. Tchaikovsky was presumed to have been ordered to commit suicide by the Russian government because of his sexuality, and as a result, he composed the most tragic forth movement perhaps in all of music history. He died 9 days before the premiere.

[@antger6268]

If he died before the premiere of the symphony, how did he conduct the orchestra at the premiere?

[@SamDavidComposer]

@@antger6268after*

[@davidevans3227]

so.. i believe a week to ten days after Tchaikovsky showed this to the world in a concert of his music, he was dead? he'd been composing for a little over twenty years ? writing some of the most famous music in the world.. then gone ?

[@detectivehome3318]

11:45

[@idkk4125]

Can you put Tchaikovsky's violin concerto on your list? It's an amazing piece, would recommend the recording by itzhak perlman. btw concerto is pronounced con-sher-to

[@ofc.kd6-3.78]

You have to react to tchaikovsky's the nutcracker!!!!

[@kentinatl]

Meant to post this on Beethoven emperor..Bradley Cooper is now making a movie about Bernstein..love your channel

[@kentinatl]

Soar with the eagles in the rarified air on this one

[@davidevans3227]

Tchaikovsky knows music wicked bass too.. have you read up anything about this before listening? always seems a very sad piece to me and the end...!

[@gabrieleponziani7529]

Who is the director of rhis recording?

[@RC2214]

This piece is from the ballet Swan Lake

[@whocares_bear]

This symphony brings death. I think it's cursed and avoid it. Love Tchaikovsky though.

[@SEkSkapela]

you would understand more the music changes with knowing the (probably true) behind story :/

[@jkMontreal]

Tchaikovsky committed suicide a few days after the premiere of this symphony. Maybe it was his way of saying goodbye to this world. 😢😢

[@Dylonely_9274]

He didn’t commited suicide.

[@composaboi]

He was actually very proud of this piece and talked about how he was excited to write more music. I don't think it was suicide.

[@rosshart9514]

There is a novel by Klaus Mann, brother of Nobel price winner Thomas Mann, titeled "Symphonie Pathétique", interpreting Tchaikovsky's biography to understand why this symphony is as it is. Not sure if there is an english translation.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

@@Nataliah20011 There is no such evidence. It's about as credible as Mozart being killed by Salieri. It's a tall tale, that fits a certain narrative.

[@pesjaner1]

You want the story? Go to the Wikipedia.

[@brucefelger4015]

Tchaikovsky was NOT a happy man.

[@Dylonely_9274]

Unfortunately

[@rosshart9514]

No, he wasn't. I've read his biography. Sometimes euphoric, most times depressed. You can HEAR that in his 6th. OMG...

[@tomiclamor]

first (: