Pyotr Tchaikovsky Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Fantasy Overture “Romeo and Juliet”Pyotr Tchaikovsky85rank/position

Tchaikovsky: Romeo & Juliet / Gergiev · London Symphony Orchestra · BBC Proms 2007

A concert overture said to have been composed at the recommendation of Balakirev, one of the Russian Five.

It features a fierce tone that seems to depict the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets, a sweet melody portraying the love of Romeo and Juliet, and a dramatic expression of the two being driven toward their deaths.

String Sextet in D minor, Op. 70 “Souvenir de Florence”Pyotr Tchaikovsky86rank/position

Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence RNO soloists Moscow Orchestrion hall

An elegant chamber work where the sounds of violin, viola, and cello intertwine.

The first movement begins with a burst of intensity, alternating between a gently flowing theme and a sense of soaring exhilaration.

The second movement overflows with sweetness, like a pastoral landscape.

It then passes into a third movement marked by a strikingly dynamic rhythm, and concludes with a dramatic finale.

String Quartet No. 1, Op. 11Pyotr Tchaikovsky87rank/position

Tchaikovsky: String Quartet No. 1 | Julia Fischer Quartet (2022)

This work is renowned as a masterpiece of the string quartet repertoire.

It consists of four movements, with the second movement being especially famous.

Its beautiful melody, based on a Ukrainian folk song, is deeply memorable and has touched the hearts of many.

There is even an anecdote that in December 1876, the Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy was moved to tears upon hearing this movement.

The piece is a splendid fusion of Tchaikovsky’s rich emotional expression and Russian national character.

Elements that evoke a sense of Russianness—such as folk-like melodies and dance-like rhythms—are also highly appealing.

It is a recommended piece for those who wish to become more familiar with classical music or who seek a beautiful melody that resonates with the heart.

String Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 11Pyotr Tchaikovsky88rank/position

Tchaikovsky, Quartet No.1 – Borodin Quartet

A work from the period when he was composing while also teaching at the Moscow Conservatory.

The Andante cantabile of the second movement was inspired by a folk song he heard in Ukraine, and it is said that the great writer Tolstoy, who listened to the piece seated next to Tchaikovsky, was moved to tears.

Melancholy SerenadePyotr Tchaikovsky89rank/position

Tchaikovsky – Serenade Melancolique

One of Tchaikovsky’s few short pieces for violin.

The wistful, lingering rhythm recurs throughout the piece, giving the impression that it was composed on the basis of Russian folk songs.

It is most often performed with piano accompaniment, but in an orchestral arrangement it feels as if the scenery unfolds before your eyes.

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, No. 3 from The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71aPyotr Tchaikovsky90rank/position

Simon Rattle & Berliner Philharmoniker – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker)

Composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky using the then-new instrument called the celesta, this piece is captivating for its otherworldly timbre.

It depicts a scene from the 1892 premiere of the ballet The Nutcracker, expressing the graceful dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, queen of the Land of Sweets.

Its slow, quiet tempo and delicate use of tone beautifully evoke a dreamlike atmosphere.

Featured in films such as Fantasia, it’s well known as an approachable piece even for those less familiar with classical music.

It’s also perfect for creating a Halloween mood, so why not immerse yourself in its enchanting world while you listen?

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41Pyotr Tchaikovsky91rank/position

Tchaikovsky: Liturgy of St John Chrysostom

An unaccompanied mixed-chorus piece for Orthodox prayer composed in 1878, it was also sung at Tchaikovsky’s funeral.

Working on church music brought Tchaikovsky great joy, but it seems to have been little appreciated by the church authorities.

It’s recommended when you want to listen to Tchaikovsky’s works beyond his orchestral and piano music.