I have always thought that nor PIT was thinking about his own death or an impossible love...he just described the cycle of life: the dangerous birth, the irresponsible joy of the early youth, the full enjoyment of life when you become an adult and the sorrow of the death. And for me, this is just outstanding
I was so fortunate to play this whole thing in an orchestra once. Bruckner wrote the most wonderful viola part. I'll never forget it. I don't know how to put it as a link but 9.16 nearly brought me to tears every single time.
This work is SO unique. However I feel some context needs to be provided, after the works premier, Tchaikovsky not being fully happy with the works programmatic nature: "After a successful premiere, however, he was not satisfied with Program Symphony (No. 6) on the title page. Several days later Modest suggested "patetichesky," which in Russian means "1, enthusiastic, passionate; 2, emotional; and 3, bombastic" (rather than "pathetic" or "arousing pity," as in English)."
I have honestly tried, since the early '70s to listen to Bruckner. I think he was a great man and I deeply respect and admire him, but, I don't feel his symphonies are as artistically mature as his the other great composers. Please don't get angry with me, consider it my loss. I've had people, who have listened to classical music for less than a decade tell me "You need to listen to it more". I have. I have studied piano, clarinet, harmony, counterpoint, composition (including 12 tone), and even had a month of conducting at a music camp. Bruckner repeats too much. Listen to Beethoven's op1, the music grows as it flows. I'm so sorry, but I just can't stand it, even though there are moments of great beauty and fine orchestration. There I've said it. Have to say more. When he gets to a 2nd subject, the melody is hokey and gets on my nerves. God Bless Bruckner's soul, I just don't get into his music I'm afraid.
In the adagio, as in all of Bruckner's music, the austrian composer expresses a great solemnity and a feeling of hope and of an expected triumph of good, in the harmony of creation and in (Divine) justice.
This recording by Karajan (1971) was made for EMI (now Warner), not for Deutsche Grammophon. Not only the cover of the video is misleading, also your info text bears a link to the album on DG page (which anyway doesn't exist anymore) saying "Remember: music isn't free. Purchase it:" but actually you make people buy the wrong album. Thanks for the upload.
Question for Tchaikovsky aficionados out there: I thought I remembered reading that the "dit-dit-dit dah" rhythm he uses around 29:29 was a tribute to Beethoven, notably the 5th symphony. Anyone else aware of that?
31:33 Süßer Schlaf Du Kommst wie ein reines Glück Ungebeten, unerfleht am willigsten Du lössest die Knoten der strengen Gedanken, vermischen alle Bilder der Freude und des Schmerzes; ungehindert fließt der Kreis innerer Harmonien, und eingehüllt in gefällingen Wahnsinn versinken wir und hören auf zu sein
Caminando por la playa, el mar bate con fuerza, con violencia contra los acantilados, en el arenal... las dudas, el miedo, el dolor, golpean todo mi ser .
