Brooding, dreamy and full of sorrow – why Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 5 still moves us today

Ahead of an Abu Dhabi show, New Japan Philharmonic’s conductor explains how the orchestral masterpiece has endured for almost 150 years

New Japan Philharmonic will perform at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival. Photo: Abu Dhabi Festival

What is technical perfection if you don't have anything meaningful to say?

It was something Pyotr Tchaikovsky mused about in 1888 when setting to work on what would become his famed Symphony No 5.

Flush from the success of its predecessor, the superlative Symphony No 4, which pushed the boundaries of orchestration with its invigorating brass sections and unconventional dance-like string section, the Russian composer sought to create a more emotive work that spoke to the human condition.

It made its debut at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg on November 17, 1888, and the cyclical piece is regarded as mirroring the journey of life, with its meditations on destiny, resilience and ultimate triumph over despair.

It remains one of Tchaikovsky's most moving compositions and will be presented on Saturday in a gala concert by the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra. It will take place at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival.

“When the audience listens to this symphony, they are first overwhelmed by Tchaikovsky’s brilliant, gorgeous music,” conductor Yutaka Sado says. “Next, they must realise the theme which appears in this whole piece. Tchaikovsky’s sorrow may be universal and common for all the people. That’s why we are moved and are attracted to this symphony.”

Here is what else you need to know about this important work.

It is brooding and dreamy

Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Getty Images

Human destiny is to struggle and overcome the odds - at least this is what Tchaikovsky sought to convey in the work, according to Sado. It is a theme woven throughout the piece, carried by its clarinet motif, which also appears in his fourth symphony but is retained here in a more expressive form, evolving across the various movements.

“You can hear this theme of ‘fate’ throughout the symphony," he says. "At the beginning of this piece, the clarinet plays this theme first. It appears many times by several instruments and develops through the music.

“The theme suddenly strikes in the beautiful, dreamlike second movement and emerges as a lovely waltz in the third movement. In the fourth movement, it is sung in high spirits. We never tire through the symphony because we can listen to the same theme in each movement with different characteristics.”

It has a clear narrative

Partly taking its cues from Beethoven's Symphony No 5 (1808), Tchaikovsky's composition follows a similar narrative arc, moving from despair to triumph - a tradition later carried in 20th-century symphonies from Dmitri Shostakovich and Gustav Mahler.

Sado adds: "Beethoven’s from 'sorrow to joy' style is in the background of this symphony. Symphony No 5 was composed with this theme in mind, and I believe it is no coincidence that Tchaikovsky adopted this approach. After Tchaikovsky, both Shostakovich and Mahler embraced and further developed this style in their own symphonies.”

It's the sound of an existential struggle

Yutaka Sado, conductor of the the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. Photo: AMC

Tchaikovsky delves deep into the symphony, a work widely acknowledged for offering insight into his personal struggles. Sado points out that each movement embodies a distinct emotion before ultimately reaches its resolution.

"You can feel Tchaikovsky’s struggles with the sorrow surrounding him in the first movement," he says. "It seems he escapes from reality in the beautiful second movement. Tchaikovsky put the waltz – his speciality – in the third movement.

"This movement also shows you 'Scherzo,' (a contrasting playful musical form with quick tempos and rhythmic surprises) and this is the general style of the symphony in that it’s ultimately optimistic music. Finally, the 'fate' theme, a song of triumph, is sounded out by the strings in the last movement. This is the perfect symphony to listen to when you are feeling down."

It has various interpretations

One reason for the enduring appeal of Symphony No 5 is its openness to interpretation. Expect the New Japan Philharmonic to fully amplify its dynamism and thematic unity.

“I consider the New Japan Philharmonic to be the optimal orchestra," he adds. "The strings support the rich overall sound of the orchestra. The woodwind members play the role of soloists and have the high ability to make the ensemble cohesive. You can hear a big horn solo in the second movement, showcasing the strong, bright power of our brass section.

“The timpani reinforces the orchestra in the whole piece. All the orchestra members perform this symphony aware of each role. It ultimately makes the audience touched by their performance.”

New Japan Philharmonic will perform on Saturday at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi; doors open at 8pm; tickets start at Dh100