[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!
- Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended pieces by Rachmaninoff.
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
- Debussy’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
- Bedřich Smetana: A selection of famous and representative works!
- Highlighting the masterpieces and popular works of Mikhail Glinka, the pioneering composer of Russian music
- Classic masterpieces recommended for women
- Rimsky-Korsakov’s Masterpieces | The Vividly Colorful World of Russian Music
- Robert Schumann | Introduction to his famous and representative works
- Masterpieces of Ballet Music: Introducing Classic Favorites
- Masterpieces of the Romantic Era: A sweeping introduction to soul-stirring, celebrated gems!
- Pick up Beethoven’s famous and representative works!
- Stravinsky’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
[Tchaikovsky] A selection of famous and representative works! (151–160)
Ballet music Swan Lake, Op. 20 — Act II: ScenePyotr Tchaikovsky
The most famous piece representing Swan Lake.
It was composed in 1875 at the request of Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre.
Although it reportedly received little acclaim at its premiere, it was revived in the second year after the composer’s death and has since become a well-known masterpiece.
Over the gentle sounds of strings and harp, a sorrowful, heartrending oboe melody unfolds.
No. 7 “Dance of the Reed Flutes” from the Suite “The Nutcracker”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Here is the light and airy “Dance of the Reed Pipes” from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet suite The Nutcracker.
However, since it’s been used in a SoftBank commercial that has nothing to do with ballet, many people probably find the tune playing in their heads whenever they see a white dog.
Trepak (from The Nutcracker)Pyotr Tchaikovsky
In The Nutcracker, in Act II, within the set of dances by the characters, “Trepak” is the fifth piece.
Its lively tempo and somewhat impactful performance make it a popular choice as background music for school sports days.
While The Nutcracker tends to evoke Christmas abroad, in Japan it’s less of a concerto and more of a ‘competition piece.’
Four Seasons: August HarvestPyotr Tchaikovsky
It shares the title The Seasons with Tchaikovsky’s work, but this one was composed by Tchaikovsky.
It is based on poems by Koltsov and carries the subtitle “12 Characteristic Pieces.” As the subtitle suggests, it splendidly expresses the distinctive qualities of each month in Russia.
The NutcrackerPyotr Tchaikovsky
A suite composed as ballet music.
“Waltz of the Flowers” is a famous, beautiful melody that everyone has heard, and you can also enjoy a variety of styles such as the Chinese Dance, the Russian Dance, and the Arabian Dance.
It’s a masterpiece that lets you step into a fairy-tale world—perfect for listening with children.
Waltz from The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66Pyotr Tchaikovsky
A ballet score based on Perrault’s fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.
Following a brilliant prelude, a graceful melody enters in a waltz rhythm.
In the ballet, it accompanies a splendid scene where young women and men dance with flowers in hand.
It’s recommended to enjoy it not only through the music but also together with the ballet footage.
[Tchaikovsky] Pick Up His Masterpieces and Signature Works! (161–170)
Symphony No. 2 “Little Russian,” Op. 17Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Historically, Little Russia referred to what is now Ukraine, and three Ukrainian folk songs appear as motifs in the piece.
At its 1872 premiere, it was highly praised by the Mighty Handful led by Balakirev, but later, due to changes in musical thought, it underwent substantial revisions to reach its present form.