[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] Picking Up Famous and Representative Works! (81–90)
“Song of Naples” from Children’s Album, Op. 39 No. 18Pyotr Tchaikovsky
The cheerful, lively atmosphere of “Napoli Song,” No.
18 from Album for the Young, is especially striking.
Pyotr Tchaikovsky spent time in Italy and is said to have been very fond of its climate and culture.
You can feel Italy’s free and generous spirit in this piece, too.
Here, you’re asked to maintain the characteristic left-hand rhythm with precision while making the right hand sing.
The second half, where the tempo increases, is a bit more challenging, but it’s important to practice carefully without being fixated on speed.
First, work diligently to capture the light, buoyant rhythm.
Old French Song from Children’s Album, Op. 39 No. 16Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Children’s Album is a collection of 24 piano pieces by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, dedicated to his then seven-year-old nephew.
No.
16, Old French Song, carries a wistful mood that seems to depict someone weighed down by a sad event, and it is arguably the most widely known piece in the collection.
After the theme is stated twice, a contrasting section appears, and the theme returns at the end.
Thanks to this simple structure, it is approachable even for beginning pianists.
Play it with heartfelt expression so that the sadness is conveyed through the simple melody.
“New Doll,” Op. 39, No. 9, from Children’s AlbumPyotr Tchaikovsky
Composed in 1878 when Tchaikovsky was 38, No.
9 “The New Doll” from his piano collection “Children’s Album” is a light, sprightly piece in which the right hand dances over a steady left-hand pulse.
Following No.
7 “The Doll’s Funeral,” it is said to depict welcoming a new doll to replace the one that passed away.
The key is to play the melody elegantly and cheerfully, while keeping the left hand very soft—just a light accompaniment.
Perform it while imagining the excitement of meeting a brand-new doll.
From ‘Album for the Young’: ‘Morning Prayer’ Op. 39-1Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky, one of Russia’s greatest composers, is well known for his ballets and symphonies, but he also wrote many outstanding piano pieces.
Composed in 1878, Album for the Young is a collection of 24 pieces born from his affection for his nephew.
Opening the set, this piece is a short work depicting a quiet morning prayer.
Despite its simple structure, its solemn atmosphere and beautiful melody are striking.
It is recommended for early- to intermediate-level players and is ideal for developing expressiveness.
Experience Tchaikovsky’s uniquely lyrical music for yourself.
“Sweet Dreams” Op. 39, No. 21 from Children’s AlbumPyotr 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.
From ‘Children’s Album’ – ‘Baba-Yaga’ Op. 39 No. 20 in E minorPyotr 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.
[Tchaikovsky] Picking out famous and representative pieces! (91–100)
Waltz from The Sleeping BeautyPyotr Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty, one of the three great ballet scores.
Its waltz, featured in the story, is also known as the song sung by Princess Aurora in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
Originally written as ballet music for orchestra, it has been published in numerous piano arrangements.
It’s best to start practicing with a simple arrangement that lets you enjoy the triple meter and elegant melody, then gradually tackle more difficult versions.
Play with a light touch in the left hand and a smooth touch in the right, keeping the contrast between the hands in mind!