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Tchaikovsky's Pathétique symphony from the London Symphony Orchestra

Tchaikovsky juggles beauty and suffering, Benjamin Britten reflects powerfully on grief and conflict, and Leonard Bernstein grapples with the modern world.

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 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)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 6 in B minor, ‘Pathétique’

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

12 days left to listen

2 hours, 14 minutes

Last on

Mon 18 May 2026 19:30
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Benjamin Britten

    Sinfonia da Requiem

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Antonio Pappano.

  • Leonard Bernstein

    The Age of Anxiety - Symphony no. 2 for Piano and Orchestra

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Antonio Pappano.

  • Pyotr Tchaikovsky

    In the Church from Album for the Young Op.39

    Performer: Denis Kozhukhin.

  • Pyotr Tchaikovsky

    Souvenir de Florence Op.70 (4th mvt)

    Performer: Paul Neubauer. Performer: Colin Carr. Ensemble: Emerson String Quartet.
    • Journeys: Emerson String Quartet.
    • Sony Classical.
    • 4.

  • Pyotr Tchaikovsky

    Symphony No.6 in B minor - 'Pathétique'

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Antonio Pappano.

  • Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

    Softly the Spirit Flew Up to Heaven

    Performer: Sholto Kynoch. Singer: Erika Baikoff.

Broadcast

  • Mon 18 May 2026 19:30
    BBC Radio 3