ABSTRACT

Tchaikovskyʼs Sixth Symphony (1893), widely recognized as one of the worldʼs most deeply tragic compositions, is also known for the mystery surrounding its hidden programme and for Tchaikovskyʼs unexpected death nine days after its premiere. While the sensational speculations about the composerʼs possible planned suicide and the suggestion that the symphony was intended as his own requiem have long been discarded, the question of its programme remains.

chapter 1|8 pages

Secrecy 1

chapter 2|8 pages

Before 4 February 1893

chapter 3|6 pages

Mood Very Close to Requiem, but for Whom?

chapter 4|10 pages

Tchaikovsky and Christ

chapter 6|8 pages

Behind the Programme

chapter 7|6 pages

Four Movements and their Interrelations

chapter 8|36 pages

‘A Skillfully Constructed Novel' 1

chapter 9|12 pages

Intermezzo: Mysterious Waltz

chapter 10|32 pages

Great Ambivalence

chapter 11|10 pages

A House of Mourning

chapter 12|6 pages

Afterword