Tchaikovsky's final symphony has fascinated generations of music lovers since its first performance. Professor Jackson explores the question of the Pathetique's program and its relation to Tchaikovsky's homosexuality and death. The book covers the work's conception, genesis, and reception, and presents an in-depth analysis of its remarkable formal structure.

This book discusses the conception, genesis, reception, and structure of Tchaikovsky's final symphony, the Pathetique.