Pyotr Tchaikovsky Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Ballet music Swan Lake, Op. 20 — Act II: ScenePyotr Tchaikovsky99rank/position

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake - Scene

The most famous piece representing Swan Lake.

It was composed in 1875 at the request of Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre.

Although it reportedly received little acclaim at its premiere, it was revived in the second year after the composer’s death and has since become a well-known masterpiece.

Over the gentle sounds of strings and harp, a sorrowful, heartrending oboe melody unfolds.

Trepak from The Nutcracker ballet musicPyotr Tchaikovsky100rank/position

Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite – 4 ‘Trepak’ * Volker Hartung & Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra

In The Nutcracker, the Russian dance is performed.

It’s a lively number that showcases astounding jumping ability against a brilliant brass accompaniment.

The stomping, earthy melody in the middle section played by the low strings has a distinctly Russian flavor that gives it great character.