Plagued by insecurity, Tchaikovsky wrote about this symphony: “I am exceedingly anxious to prove to myself, as to others, that I am not played out as a composer.” Judge for yourself, but there’s a reason this monumental piece makes a great season finale: some of the loveliest tunes ever written, leading to a smashing and triumphant finale. The main challenge most audiences have is holding back their applause until the very end!