Attending one of the greatest romantic works of all time

As both a fan and patron of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, the Governor was delighted to attend a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony, conducted by renowned artist Mr Asher Fisch. Widely considered to be one of the greatest of all Romantic works, Pathétique is a journey through richly-coloured melodies, capturing the pain, fleeting joys and fragile triumphs of life.

The performance began with Maria Grenfell’s evocative River Mountain Sky. Rising at dawn and ending with dusk, this sensual piece paints the changing face of the Australian landscape. Composed in 2004, this was the first time that WASO have performed River Mountain Sky in concert. The piece was commissioned by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra to mark Tasmania’s Bicentenary.

Following this, Asher Fisch took to the piano to perform Mozart’s broodingly personal concerto, Piano Concerto No.24. This piece is unique to Mozart’s catalogue as it utilises a large orchestra and the first moment is in triple time.

Finally, to wrap up a moving and evocative evening, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.6 Pathétique. This symphony first premiered only days before the composer’s death. While it is noted he died of cholera, it is often speculated that his death was planned and that his final symphony was in fact his sign-off to the world.

“Of the event, the Governor stated that it was “great to see people out and about for another superb WASO concert. While the primary piece was Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, for me, the night as made by the incomparable conductor, Ascher Fisch, not only conducting but playing a Mozart piano concerto. He really has been a superb contributor to Perth’s musical culture.”

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