Tchaikovsky's Pathétique symphony from the London Symphony Orchestra

The London Symphony Orchestra is conducted by its Chief Conductor, Sir Antonio Pappano, in Tchaikovsky's Pathétique symphony, Benjamin Britten's Sinfonia da Requiem and Leonard Bernstein's The Age of Anxiety.

Composed by the young Benjamin Britten in the midst of global conflict, his 1940 Sinfonia da Requiem is a grief-stricken cry, its turbulent music finally giving way to Mahlerian tenderness – and hope. Bernstein’s post-war symphony The Age of Anxiety, based on W H Auden’s poem, is a piano concerto in all but name, full of Shostakovich-inspired spirit and snatches of Broadway. And Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, the 'Pathétique’, is one of the most famous journeys to the depths of the soul; despite ending on a note of utter despair, the ‘Pathétique’ is among the composer’s most beautiful works. The LSO is sure to draw high emotion from Britten and Tchaikovsky, while pianist Denis Kozhukhin joins them for Bernstein’s fizzing symphonic concerto.

Presented by Ian Skelly and recorded Live at the Barbican Hall.

Britten: Sinfonia da Requiem Op.20
Bernstein: The Age of Anxiety (Symphony no.2)
Interval
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 6 in B minor, ‘Pathétique’

Denis Kozhukhin (piano)
London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor)