Recorded at a public concert – as is the case for almost all the albums by the San Francisco Orchestra – this version of Tchaikovsky's Sixth is Michael Tilson's contribution to the substantial discography of this phenomenal work. Recall that this sombre symphony was first performed in Saint Petersburg in October 1893, conducted by the director himself, with a decent reception, although the audience was most likely left "wanting more", as the final notes of the staggering final movement faded into a very un-heroic pianissimo. Recall also that only nine days later, Tchaikovsky left behind this vale of years – there are conflicting theories regarding his death, whether it was a result of cholera, suicide, or something else entirely – and the work was played again a few days later at a memorial service, with a few corrections that the composer had made after the first performance; and henceforth it would be this version, that the writer would never hear during his lifetime, which would be played at concerts. © SM/Qobuz