[Tchaikovsky] Pick up famous and representative pieces!
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a towering composer who represents Romantic-era Russia.
From ballet music such as Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty to works like the Piano Concerto No.
1 and several symphonies, he created numerous masterpieces that continue to be loved to this day.
Tchaikovsky’s music conveys richly colored, delicate melodies and a brilliant, dramatic musicality.
In this article, we introduce Tchaikovsky’s celebrated and representative works.
We’ve selected pieces ranging from famous tunes to lesser-known gems worthy of being called masterpieces—be sure to check them out!
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[Tchaikovsky] A Selection of Famous and Representative Works (61–70)
String Quartet No. 3 in E-flat minor, Op. 30Pyotr Tchaikovsky
A string quartet completed in 1876 in mourning for the death of the violinist, Laub.
Throughout, it is suffused with sorrow, giving the impression of interwoven, flowing string lines.
However, in the fourth movement it shifts to a more positive tone, as if shaking off the grief and moving forward.
It closes with a glimmer of brightness.
Album for the Young, Op. 39-20: “Baba-Yaga (The Witch)”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Track 20, “Baba Yaga (The Witch),” from Album for the Young, Op.
39, exudes a foreboding atmosphere that suggests something bad is about to happen.
It is one of the piano miniatures Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky dedicated to his nephew.
Baba Yaga is the name of a terrifying witch from old Russian folk tales who eats human flesh—perfectly matching the mood of the piece.
With its speed and powerful character, it’s a work especially popular among boys studying piano.
Put on a cool outfit and play with crisp articulation!
6 Pieces, Op. 51: No. 6, Valse SentimentalePyotr Tchaikovsky
The sixth piece from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s set of six piano pieces, “Six Pieces, Op.
51,” by the composer well known for the three great ballet scores including Swan Lake.
In addition to its achingly beautiful melody that perfectly suits the title “Valse Sentimentale,” it also contains bright, light phrases that feel like a joyful waltz, making it a recommended study piece for developing expressiveness.
Since the left hand involves leaps, be sure to practice thoroughly during hands-separate practice so you can firmly grasp the chords.
Suite “The Nutcracker,” Op. 71a, No. 8: Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Tchaikovsky
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.
Sleeping BeautyPyotr Tchaikovsky
A famous piece of classical ballet music, this work received acclaim comparable to Tchaikovsky’s earlier ballet Swan Lake.
It has also been used in commercials, so many people have likely heard it at least once.
Its grand scale and soothing orchestral sound help enhance concentration.
Album for the Young, Op. 39 No. 20: “Baba Yaga (The Witch)”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
An unsettling air suggesting that something bad is about to happen pervades “Baba Yaga (The Witch),” No.
20 from Album for the Young, Op.
39.
It is one of the piano miniatures Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky dedicated to his nephew.
Baba Yaga is the name of a fearsome witch from old Russian folktales who eats human flesh—perfectly matching the mood of the piece.
With its brisk pace and powerful character, it’s also popular among boys who study piano.
Dress in a cool outfit and play with crisp articulation!
Six Pieces: Sentimental Waltz, Op. 51 No. 6 in F minorPyotr Tchaikovsky
“Sentimental Waltz” is a piece performed with various instruments and ensembles, such as cello and wind quintet.
Although it is less well known compared to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s famous works, it is supported by classical music fans as a piece that “deserves more recognition!” Within a single piece, you can enjoy a variety of expressions: sections where you sing out the melody and play with poignant tenderness, and sections where you keep the waltz rhythm in mind and perform lightly.
Try playing while imagining specific scenes—thinking, for example, “I’ll play this part with this kind of feeling.”