For the Pursuit of Happiness

How Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 Helps Us Remember What We Are Fighting For

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Oil on Canvas by Nikolai Kuznetsov, 1893.

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 holds a special place in my playlist. This symphony frequently appears in my listening routine due to its remarkable emotional depth and range. The piece speaks to me on a personal level, particularly during times when I struggle with motivation and a sense of conviction. Its ability to evoke a wide array of emotions makes it a very enjoyable and engaging listen. From start to finish, the symphony never fails to captivate me with its dramatic build-up and exhilarating conclusion.

Before delving into Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4, it's important to consider the composer himself briefly. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a man of profound emotional depth, and his life was characterised by personal struggles—both internal and external. His intense emotions and personal conflicts often found their way into his music. Symphony No. 4, composed in the late 1870s, emerged during a particularly tumultuous period in his life, which included the breakdown of his marriage and his ongoing battles with self-doubt. The symphony is often interpreted as an exploration of fate and resilience.

The 4th Symphony is a powerful composition that reflects overcoming great challenges. The first movement introduces an epic theme, which recurs multiple times, symbolising the persistence and resilience required to overcome obstacles. The second, slower movement delves into the emotional and mental hardships experienced when confronting significant challenges. Following this, the third movement offers a brief respite from the intense emotional battles. Finally, in the fourth movement, there is a dramatic resolution where the theme from the first movement resurfaces with great force but is ultimately halted and defeated and replaced by a beautiful swooping melody. This satisfying ending serves as a reaffirmation of one's ability to conquer whatever challenges one may be facing at the moment.

The third movement struck me as quite peculiar. It starkly contrasts the overall tone of the symphony, which is characterised by its heaviness and drama. What struck me the most about the third scherzo movement is its predominant use of plucking, where the instruments are not fully utilised in the traditional sense. This unconventional approach creates a whimsical and light-hearted atmosphere, offering a delightful 5-minute interlude before the symphony builds to its grand finale in the 4th movement.

Initially, I couldn’t understand why Tchaikovsky included this whimsical, even childish movement in such a serious, emotionally charged piece of music as this symphony. But then, in one of my many listens, a thought occurred: What if this movement is actually the most crucial piece of the puzzle?

This whimsical pause from the drama gives us time to relax, reflect on our journey so far, and think about what’s next. Its playful nature reminds us about the leisure aspects of life, our optional values; what makes us laugh, the art we love, and our good times with our friends. We sometimes forget about these crucial fun aspects of life in our busy lives. But what are these struggles for, if not for when we can chill and have a good laugh with the people we hold dear?

The third movement reminds us of this. As the rest of the piece emphasises, fighting over big and dramatic issues is crucial, but we must remember that life has more to it than the struggle itself.

It’s a stunning aspect of the piece. It reminds us how we must never forget what we are fighting for. After all, why do we even bother with struggle if not for what will happen after we emerge victorious?

Had he composed the third movement as a more significant part, as more than a passage to the expansive ending, it could even tend towards the nihilistic side; it could convey that these great battles are less important than the laughs, which would be cynical. To have our optional values, we must stand up for our integrity, which is precisely what Tchaikovsky conveys so beautifully in his 4th. It’s an intricate balance of struggle but remembering what we struggle for.

Great art touches on a vast array of subjects and emotional ranges. It also touches on minor nuances that we sometimes overlook. The great artist also knows how to express and integrate these nuanced issues into the masterpiece. Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony masters that brilliantly. Had the 4th lacked that third movement, it would still have been an enjoyable work, but when Tchaikovsky’s decision to add that contrasting third movement elevated the work to the level of a true masterpiece.

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I strongly encourage you to listen to the entire piece and tell me if you also got that sense from Tchaikovsky’s 4th. Let me know in the comments below.

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