[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] Pick up famous and representative pieces! (111–120)
RomancePyotr Tchaikovsky
This is a piece written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, a leading composer of the Russian Romantic era, for a woman he loved so much that he even considered marriage.
However, they were apparently unable to marry.
The tempo isn’t slow, but the melody is strikingly poignant and tinged with a certain wistful sorrow.
[Tchaikovsky] Picking up famous and representative pieces! (121–130)
Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 “Pathétique”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
It is Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, and the subtitle “Pathétique” was chosen by the composer himself.
Tchaikovsky experienced as many as twelve bouts of depression in his life, and some say this work may reflect that state of mind.
Although the Pathétique is shrouded in a dark atmosphere overall, the third movement is enveloped in a glittering mood.
It fuses a scherzo with a march, beginning with a light, airy melody and culminating in a resplendent finale at the climax.
Symphony No. 5, Second MovementPyotr Tchaikovsky
Above all, the beauty lies in the melody played by the horn in this movement.
Listening to masterful performances by the world’s leading orchestras, you can’t help but sigh at its loveliness.
As more instruments gradually join and the climax arrives, you can also savor a distinctly Tchaikovsky-like romantic melody.
Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique,” Fourth MovementPyotr Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, the Pathétique.
The subtitle “Pathétique” was given by Tchaikovsky himself.
Although the piece maintains an atmosphere of solemn sorrow throughout, it is marked by flashes of intensity and beauty.
It is striking how, after the climax, the work closes heavily and quietly.
The symphony premiered under Tchaikovsky’s own baton, but he contracted cholera and died five days later.
A memorial concert was held after his death, at which this piece was also performed.
The Seasons, Op. 37b – October: Autumn SongPyotr Tchaikovsky
Among the works of Russia’s great composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, when it comes to pieces themed around autumn, The Seasons is indispensable.
As its title suggests, it portrays a year in Russia through twelve piano pieces, and here we’ll introduce the tenth piece, Autumn Song.
Unfolding with a plaintive touch amid silence, it evokes something akin to the Japanese sense of wabi-sabi.
Simply listening conjures up images of solitary autumn scenes; though unshowy, its profoundly imaginative melody is captivating.
Incidentally, each piece in The Seasons is accompanied by an epigraph in verse, and for Autumn Song a poem by fellow Russian Tolstoy is quoted.
Be sure to check it out together!
String Quartet No. 1, Movement IIPyotr Tchaikovsky
This masterpiece was completed in 1871 by the Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
Its beautiful melodies, inspired by Russian folk songs, deeply move listeners’ hearts.
Showcasing Tchaikovsky’s exceptional talent to the fullest, this work is widely cherished as one of his signature pieces.
Despite its serenity, it conveys rich emotional expression, drawing listeners into a dreamlike world.
It seems that Tchaikovsky’s feelings, as he faced financial hardship at the time of composition, are reflected in the poignant yet beautiful melodies.
This is a highly recommended piece for anyone who wants to fully savor the charm of classical music.
Melancholy SerenadePyotr Tchaikovsky
One of Tchaikovsky’s few short pieces for violin.
The wistful, lingering rhythm recurs throughout the piece, giving the impression that it was composed on the basis of Russian folk songs.
It is most often performed with piano accompaniment, but in an orchestral arrangement it feels as if the scenery unfolds before your eyes.