Pyotr Tchaikovsky Popular Song Rankings [2026]

String Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 11 – II. Andante cantabilePyotr Tchaikovsky43rank/position

Tchaikovsky: String Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 11 – II. Andante cantabile (string orchestra version), Bernstein

String Quartet No.

1 in D major, Op.

11, composed in 1871 by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Among its movements, the independently beloved slow second movement stands out.

As indicated by the direction “Andante cantabile,” it features a melody that draws out the singing quality of the strings to the fullest, resonating deeply in the heart.

There is even an anecdote that the great writer Tolstoy was moved to tears upon hearing this movement.

In 1888, Tchaikovsky himself arranged it for cello and string orchestra, allowing it to be performed in a wider variety of settings.

Eschewing flashy virtuosity, its long-breathed legato lines leave space that anyone can connect to some part of their own life.

It is an ideal piece of background music for moments when emotions quietly swell, such as diploma presentations or recessional scenes.

Galanthus (snowdrop)Pyotr Tchaikovsky44rank/position

Tchaikovsky: The Seasons — 12 Characteristic Pieces, April “Snowdrop” pf. Reiko Otsuka

Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece The Seasons features pieces for each month from January to December.

The piece that represents April is Snowdrop.

Although it contains many delicate touches, it never becomes too intense or heavy; instead, it is characterized by a consistently gentle melody from start to finish.

While evoking the breath of new plants and trees, it also beautifully captures the fleeting nature of the short spring season.

Be sure to give it a listen.

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Swan Lake · Opening 20a · TH219: Russian DancePyotr Tchaikovsky45rank/position

Russian Dance (ballet)

It is used in Act 3 of Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake, in the brilliant scene featuring dances from around the world.

Along with The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, Swan Lake is considered one of the three great ballets.

The work depicts the love story of Odette, transformed into a swan, and Prince Siegfried.

Please enjoy the virtuosic violin passages and the glittering melody.

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HATSUMI

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Festive Overture ‘1812’Pyotr Tchaikovsky46rank/position

P. I. Tchaikovsky / Festival Overture “1812”

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Festival Overture “1812,” with its moving, lyrical melodies, is perfect for those peak moments of emotion at graduation ceremonies.

Composed in 1880 to celebrate a historic Russian victory, the piece overflows with fervent patriotism and grandeur, leaving a powerful impression on listeners.

Although Tchaikovsky himself regarded it as having “no artistic value,” its majestic musicality continues to be widely loved today.

We highly recommend it to teachers seeking a grand and stirring BGM worthy of a memorable day.

Your sentiments are truly embedded in it, aren’t they? In the first verse, only piano and strings are used, offering a dramatic accompaniment that beautifully supports the vocals.

Suite “The Nutcracker,” Op. 71a, No. 3: “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy”Pyotr Tchaikovsky47rank/position

Piotr Tchaikovsky, Nutcracker – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Opus 71), Piano Sheet music

The Nutcracker, a ballet score composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, a leading figure in Russian music.

Among its pieces, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy depicts a banquet in the Land of Sweets and evokes a slightly mysterious world.

The delicate timbre of the celesta, a keyboard instrument, expresses the graceful dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Its light, dreamlike melody, which whisks listeners away to another realm, is perfect for Halloween too! Although it’s performed by ballet companies around the world during the Christmas season, why not give it a listen a bit early at Halloween? And if you’re intrigued, try playing it on the piano as well.

Suite “The Nutcracker,” Op. 71a, No. 3: “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”Pyotr Tchaikovsky48rank/position

PTNA 2014 Competition National Finals / Advanced Duet, Silver Prize: Rie Furuuchi & Mai Furuuchi — Tchaikovsky: From The Nutcracker, Op. 71 — 3. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy; 4. Trepak

A masterpiece by Tchaikovsky, the great composer born in Russia.

This work is associated with Christmas and is performed around the world every year during the season.

Its most striking feature is the gentle timbre of the celesta, and it portrays the solo dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, queen of the Land of Sweets.

Tchaikovsky was captivated by the instrument’s sound and is said to have incorporated it into the orchestra earlier than other Russian composers.

The left-hand part is played pizzicato by the strings, creating a unique atmosphere.

This piece can also be enjoyed as a piano duet.

Be sure to play it while imagining the charming fairy’s dance.

Suite “The Nutcracker,” Op. 71a, No. 8: Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Tchaikovsky49rank/position

2008 Prizewinner Commemorative: Yuri Matsumoto & Masayoshi Matsumoto / Tchaikovsky: from The Nutcracker

Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece The Nutcracker is a famous opera that many people in Japan also know.

This time, I’d like to introduce No.

8 from the work, the Waltz of the Flowers.

As it closes the suite, it is characterized by being arranged as a highly dazzling waltz.

It’s by no means an easy piece to play, but since it’s frequently heard in commercials and elsewhere, it’s a must-listen for those who want to prioritize catchiness for a recital.

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