[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 (101–110)
Sentimental WaltzPyotr Tchaikovsky
Composed in 1882, this work beautifully captures the emotions of the Romantic era.
Despite its brief duration of about three minutes, it offers Tchaikovsky’s distinctive delicate beauty and profound feeling.
Written in F minor, its lyrical melody conveys a warmth that seems to seep into the listener’s heart.
It is recommended not only for piano students but also for anyone who wants to savor classical music more deeply.
Experience this soothing masterpiece that shines with Tchaikovsky’s talent and sensitivity.
Galanthus (snowdrop)Pyotr Tchaikovsky
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.
Swan Lake · Opening 20a · TH219: Russian DancePyotr Tchaikovsky
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.
Festive Overture ‘1812’Pyotr Tchaikovsky
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.
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: No. 3, Dance of the Sugar Plum FairyPyotr Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet music The Nutcracker is beloved not only as a full ballet score, but also as an orchestral suite—and even in performances for piano four hands and two pianos.
The third piece, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, is notable for its celesta part with its charming, delicate high tones, but when played on the piano it takes on a somewhat more subdued atmosphere.
While using the orchestral performance—so characteristic of ballet music—as a reference, aim for a rich, nuanced interpretation that only piano four-hands can achieve.
[Tchaikovsky] Pick up famous and representative pieces! (111–120)
Suite “The Nutcracker,” Op. 71a, No. 3: “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
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 Tchaikovsky
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.