[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 out famous and representative pieces! (41–50)
Symphony No. 3Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Among Tchaikovsky’s six symphonies, this is the one performed the least in Japan—an extremely minor symphony.
The URL I shared features Mr.
Kobayashi conducting, and he leads Tchaikovsky with such exuberance that it’s staged so compellingly, you can’t help but wonder why this piece isn’t performed more often.
[Tchaikovsky] A Selection of Famous and Representative Works (51–60)
From ‘The Seasons’ Op. 37b: October — ‘Autumn Song’ (character piece)Pyotr Tchaikovsky
“Autumn Song,” October from the piano solo collection The Seasons, is characterized by a melody that conveys the unique poignancy and melancholy of autumn.
Its difficulty level isn’t very high, making it a popular piece for recitals.
It’s appealing because it’s easy for both children and adults to play.
The Queen of Spades, Op. 68Pyotr Tchaikovsky
A Russian-language opera in three acts, composed based on a short story by Pushkin.
It features the frenzied tenor of the protagonist, Hermann, who desperately seeks a foolproof method for winning at cards, intersecting with the anguished soprano of the heroine, Liza, who is tormented by suspicion even after she falls in love with him.
It’s a work you’ll want to listen to while savoring the story as well.
“Arabian Dance” from The Nutcracker (ballet music)Pyotr Tchaikovsky
In the Arabian Dance, the “Spirit of Coffee” performs.
Clad in exotic costumes reminiscent of the Arabian Nights, they captivate with a sensuous dance.
The recurring accompaniment pattern by the viola and cello from the very beginning creates an exotic atmosphere.
Dance of the Four Little Swans from the ballet Swan LakePyotr Tchaikovsky
It’s a very short piece, and precisely because of that, this work alone is often performed on its own at gala concerts and other events.
The dance, performed by four soloists, is notable for its distinctive movements and is frequently imitated in various contexts.
“Waltz” from the ballet The Sleeping BeautyPyotr Tchaikovsky
In the famous Disney film Sleeping Beauty, exactly the same melody is used, with lyrics under the title “Once Upon a Dream,” and it plays during the dance scene.
Furthermore, the melody that appears in the middle section of Tchaikovsky’s waltz is also used in the song “I Wonder.”
Overture from the ballet The Sleeping BeautyPyotr Tchaikovsky
A grand and flamboyant overture fitting for the beginning of a story.
It’s exciting.
The resolute sound of the strings and the ferocious timpani rolls build the intensity.
Then, when it transitions to the Lilac Fairy’s theme, the atmosphere changes dramatically.