In this first programme Charles examines the “Fantasy Overture” from Romeo And Juliet – considered Tchaikovsky’s first mature masterpiece. Working with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Charles explores how Tchaikovsky distilled the essence of Shakespeare’s great romantic tragedy into music.
The second programme focuses on the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s final work, and what many regard as his greatest achievement – the Sixth Symphony, "The Pathetique", which premiered only a week before his death.
