Symphony No. 6 "Pathétique", Op. 74

Tchaikovsky's final symphony, premiered nine days before his death. The unconventional ending, an Adagio lamentoso that fades into silence, broke all symphonic conventions. The bassoon opening, the famous 5/4 waltz, and the searing climax of the first movement are standard audition excerpts. One of the most emotionally overwhelming works in the repertoire.