Description
THE PATHÉTIQUE
Book summary
Pedro Berriel, a fifty-three-year-old orchestra conductor, immerses himself in the recording of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. He is so absorbed in his work that he naturally accepts the Russian composer accompanying him during rehearsals. However, this peculiar hallucination hides a deeper truth: Berriel is facing the terminal stage of an illness. The work explores the struggle to complete an artistic creation as a form of resistance against death, intertwining existential anguish with the redemptive power of music.
What is it about?
The play follows Pedro Berriel, an orchestra conductor who, in the midst of recording Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, experiences the presence of the Russian composer as a constant interlocutor. As Berriel attempts to perfect every note, the reality of his terminal illness takes hold. The symphony, known for its emotional charge and mysterious message, becomes a mirror of his own struggle. Through imaginary dialogues with Tchaikovsky and immersion in the score, Berriel confronts his fears, his artistic legacy, and the inevitability of the end. The plot moves between musical rehearsal and intimate reflection, creating a drama where artistic creation stands as an act of resistance against death.
Main themes
- Artistic creation as resistance to death.
- Terminal illness and existential anguish.
- The power of music as a vehicle for emotional expression.
- The relationship between the artist and their work, and the search for a legacy.
- Delirium and hallucination as coping mechanisms.
Who is it recommended for?
Recommended for readers interested in contemporary theater that addresses existential and emotional themes. Especially attractive to those who appreciate works that explore the creative process, the relationship with classical music, and reflections on mortality. Also for those looking for theatrical texts with a strong psychological and dramatic charge.
What this book offers
- A profound reflection on artistic creation as a response to human finitude.
- An immersion into the universe of classical music, specifically Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony.
- An intimate and moving portrait of a character facing his own mortality.
- A theatrical experience that combines reality and delirium, offering a unique perspective on grief and resistance.
Technical specifications
- Author: DEL ARCO, MIGUEL
- Publisher: INSTITUTO ARTES ESCENICAS Y MUSICA
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: PLAYS, THEATRICAL TEXTS
- Collection: FUERA COLECCION
- Publication date: July 2025
- Number of pages: 119
- Weight: 320 g
Editorial review
The Pathétique is a theatrical work that sensitively combines existential drama with the musical universe. Miguel del Arco constructs a character trapped between the reality of his illness and the need to complete his work, offering a text that invites reflection on art as resistance. The piece stands out for its ability to move and provoke thought, becoming an interesting proposal for those seeking theater that transcends mere entertainment and delves into the fundamental questions of life.