Pyotr Tchaikovsky Popular Song Rankings [2026]

“December – Christmas” from “The Four Seasons”Pyotr Tchaikovsky29rank/position

Seong-Jin Cho – Tchaikovsky The Seasons, Op. 37 bis: December: Christmas Week (2011)

This is the depiction of December from The Seasons, a piano piece by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky that portrays the sights of the Russian year.

In December, Christmas is, as expected, a hallmark even in Russia.

Although the tones in 3/4 time may sound tinged with melancholy, the gentle character of the piece also suits warm scenes of families spending Christmas together.

There are no large developments, but it is a piece that invites you to listen leisurely to the piano’s timbre.

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SAKI

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“Four Seasons” — 12 Character Sketches, November “Troika”Pyotr Tchaikovsky30rank/position

PTNA 2013 National Final Competition / D Class Gold Prize: Sakura Watanabe — Tchaikovsky: The Seasons, Op. 37 - November, Troika

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the Russian composer known for ballet music such as The Nutcracker, portrayed the seasons of the Russian year in twelve piano pieces titled The Seasons: Twelve Characteristic Pieces.

Troika, the piece for November, is the most widely beloved work in the collection.

A troika is a carriage drawn by three horses.

Although works titled “Troika” tend to be dark in character, Tchaikovsky’s Troika is striking for its cheerful, bright atmosphere.

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yuri

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Waltz of the Flowers (from The Nutcracker)Pyotr Tchaikovsky31rank/position

[Piano] Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers – I tried playing The Nutcracker (ballet)

The Nutcracker, one of the three great ballets.

Set at Christmas, it is performed around the world every year from Christmas through the New Year, and is frequently featured in orchestral concerts.

Among its pieces, the Waltz of the Flowers is performed not only by orchestras but also on a variety of instruments, and many piano arrangements have been published.

The key to this piece is the light, elegant triple meter of the waltz! Start by using a simple accompaniment score with fewer leaps so you can play comfortably while feeling the three-beat rhythm.

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yuri

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“Sweet Dreams” Op. 39, No. 21 from Children’s AlbumPyotr Tchaikovsky32rank/position

[Piano Recital Recommendation] Sweet Dream Op. 39-21 ♪ Tchaikovsky / Sweet Reverie Op. 39-21 (Children’s Album), Tchaikovsky

No.

21 “Sweet Dreams” from Children’s Album is a piece notable for its blissful atmosphere.

It conjures the image of a small child peacefully sleeping while having lovely dreams.

Although the tempo is relaxed, you may find it a bit challenging to bring out the main melody, since the right hand plays both the melody and accompanying chords simultaneously.

Practice the melody line and the accompaniment separately, then combine them while checking that you can clearly follow the melody by ear.

Using the pedal will also help you achieve a smooth, flowing performance.

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yuri

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From ‘Children’s Album’ – ‘Baba-Yaga’ Op. 39 No. 20 in E minorPyotr Tchaikovsky33rank/position

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Baba-Yaga Op. 39-20 ♫ Tchaikovsky / Baba-Yaga Op. 39-20 (Children’s Album), Tchaikovsky

Children’s Album is a collection of piano pieces composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1878.

Among its 24 pieces, one that has drawn particular attention is based on Baba Yaga, the witch from Russian folklore.

Structured in ternary form—with a creepy, energetic main section, a contrasting middle section, and a return to the opening material—the piece skillfully conveys the witch’s terror and mystery.

It combines Tchaikovsky’s characteristically expressive melodies with refined technique, stimulating the listener’s imagination.

It is highly recommended for piano learners and for those interested in Russian culture.

The Nutcracker “Trepak”Pyotr Tchaikovsky34rank/position

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker – Trepak (Piano Sheet Music)

Among the pieces in the ballet The Nutcracker, this one vividly portrays a Russian folk dance that bursts with energy.

Premiered in its suite version in March 1892, it is characterized by its rapid tempo and springing rhythms, and is known for its Cossack-like vitality.

Memorably featured in Disney’s Fantasia, the piece has also been beloved as background music during the Christmas season.

Despite its short duration, it condenses powerful accents and a strong folk color, instantly lifting the listener’s spirits.

It’s an ideal choice for those who want to tackle a fast-tempo work or play something bright and flamboyant.

March from The NutcrackerPyotr Tchaikovsky35rank/position

1. March: Tchaikovsky = Pletnev, from The Nutcracker 🎄 / March / Tchaikovsky = Pletnev / Piano

Painted with a scene both vigorous and endearing—like toy soldiers forming ranks and marching out on Christmas night—this piece captivates the imagination.

In the suite version premiered in Saint Petersburg in March 1892, nearly every number was so well received that encores were demanded, and this particular piece is known for leaving a strong impression on the audience.

Its bouncing rhythms and clear harmonies distill a sense of festivity; played on the piano, you can almost feel children’s springy footsteps and the toys’ awkward movements.

It’s a concise, self-contained work that nonetheless conveys the splendor of Christmas when performed at parties or events.