Founded in 1913 by philanthropist Ima Hogg, the Houston Symphony has long been regarded as one of America’s major league orchestras. Its past music directors include Andrés Orozco-Estrada (2014–2022), Christoph Eschenbach (1988–1999), André Previn (1967–1969), John Barbirolli (1961–1967), and Leopold Stokowski (1955–1961).
Stokowski and the Houston Symphony gave the American premiere of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11, “The Year 1905,” and made the first commercial recording of the work. On the recording, the Houston strings deliver a lushness and tonal warmth that is nearly indistinguishable from the legendary sound Stokowski imprinted on the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74 “Pathétique” was Tchaikovsky’s last work. The composer died just over a week after conducting the Symphony’s premiere on October 28, 1893. The Symphony’s four movements move from elation to despair, and ultimate surrender. The descending scale is a recurring motif throughout the work.
We explored this music in a previous post, Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony: A Haunting Farewell. This performance, recorded on May 13, 2023, features the Houston Symphony, led by current Music Director, Juraj Valčuha:
Recordings
- Tchaikovsky and Debussy from the Houston Symphony
Wow, magnificent performance of a magnificent work. I needed some tragic beauty or beautiful tragedy a la Tchaikovsky. Thanks Tim!