Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Ballet Suite ‘Swan Lake’Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky8rank/position

Tchaikovsky – Ballet Suite “Swan Lake” Op. 20, Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic, 1971

It has been widely used in commercials for cosmetics and food.

In figure skating, Ikuko Kawai chose it as background music.

It is very famous as ballet music.

In particular, Russia’s Swan Lake ballet performances are breathtaking.

They superbly express the elegance of the swans gathered on the lake and the beauty of their flight.

Yearning and beauty become one, carrying the listener into another world.

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Scene (from Act II of the ballet music Swan Lake)Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky9rank/position

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake - Scene

Swan Lake is a ballet score composed by Tchaikovsky and, along with The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, is regarded as one of the three great ballets.

This piece is played in the opening scene where Prince Siegfried, standing by a quiet lakeside, is captivated by the sight of swans gliding across the water.

Its beautiful yet slightly shadowed melody, as if expressing Princess Odette’s heart, is especially enchanting.

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HATSUMI

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Piano Concerto No. 1Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky10rank/position

Nobuyuki Tsujii Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 – First Movement

Completed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1875, this work is one of the most popular pieces in the history of classical music.

Its opening theme is frequently used as background music on television and elsewhere.

From the powerful introduction to the romantic, passionate melodies, the piano part demands high technical skill while also singing with beautiful lyricism.

Through the rich dialogue between piano and orchestra, the composer’s inner conflicts and emotional surges are vividly expressed.

Its unique appeal—born from a fusion of Russian folk elements and European musical styles—continues to captivate many listeners.

Deeply resonant and moving, this piece can be regarded as a masterpiece that symbolizes Tchaikovsky’s musical genius and profound emotion.

Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky11rank/position

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique,” IV. Finale

Tchaikovsky is well known for his bright pieces, but as the title suggests, this work carries a sad and weighty theme.

He himself released it to the world with confidence as a grand masterpiece, and it is said to address life itself.

Pay attention to how the fourth movement ends.

Serenade for StringsPeter Ilyich Tchaikovsky12rank/position

Tschaikowsky: Streicherserenade ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Alain Altinoglu

You probably remember the Staff Service commercial with the “Corporate—Oh Jinji, Oh Jinji” jingle as background music.

It’s also been used in ads for Tokyo DisneySea and Kracie.

The melody gently soothes a mind and body tired from work or study.

The strings are beautiful, wrapping the listener’s heart in warmth.

For example, if you’re feeling stressed from human relationships, this piece can wash away that hazy feeling—it has that kind of power.

It’s great to listen to while taking a bath.

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Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48: II. MovementPeter Ilyich Tchaikovsky13rank/position

Serenade for Strings, Op. 48: II. Valse

Serenade for Strings, a work for string orchestra composed in 1880 by the Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

As one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous pieces, many people have likely heard it at least once.

Among its movements, the one I especially recommend as perfect morning BGM is the second movement from Serenade for Strings in C major, Op.

48.

While the piece has a fair amount of ebb and flow and dynamic contrast, it maintains a light, airy mood throughout, making it an ideal choice for the morning.

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Ryo

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Serenade for Strings in C major, II. MovementPeter Ilyich Tchaikovsky14rank/position

Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C major: II. Movement [Naxos Classical Curations #Romantic]

Serenade for Strings, a masterpiece for string ensemble composed in 1880 by the great Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Of its four movements, the second is especially beloved.

This waltz, performed solely by strings without any wind instruments, captivates with its blend of brilliance and wistful melody.

Premiered in October 1881, the piece has also been frequently used in recent film and video works.

Its graceful tone makes it perfect as background music for an elegant tea time or a leisurely day off.

Even if you’re not familiar with classical music, be sure to give it a listen.