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Opinion of the “Not-So-Secret” Program: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 – Pathétique

Andrea Davis Tchaikovsky composed his last symphony in February and March of 1893, finishing the orchestration in late August. Tchaikovsky declared it one of his “best” and “most sincere” works, and stated that he loved the 6th Symphony, “as I have never loved any of my other musical offspring.” It is generally accepted as oneContinue reading “Opinion of the “Not-So-Secret” Program: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 – Pathétique”

The Sleeping Beauty: Valse No. 6

Andrea Davis In January of 1889, just before Tchaikovsky departed on his second foreign tour, he began composing The Sleeping Beauty. Working throughout the year, and in collaboration with Ivan Vsevolozhsky and Marius Petipa, the ballet was completed in approximately forty days total. The Sleeping Beauty premiered in January of 1890; while critical reception wasContinue reading “The Sleeping Beauty: Valse No. 6”

Biographical Fallacy in Music Analysis

Andrea Davis Tchaikovsky was a prolific writer. Years of his correspondence and diary entries have given scholars insight into his life and mind. While his personal writings communicate his thoughts and moods (and even occasionally his approach to composition), they do not necessarily present a lens through which his works can be understood. It isContinue reading “Biographical Fallacy in Music Analysis”

Yours, P. Tchaikovsky

In 1876, Nadezhda von Meck wrote to Nikolai Rubinstein with the hope that he could recommend a violinist who would join her household. She was willing to pay handsomely for the position, which also included travel and ample private practice time. Iosif Kotek, a student of Tchaikovsky’s at the conservatoire, was the violinist to acceptContinue reading “Yours, P. Tchaikovsky”

Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50

The piano trio, originally written as a harpsichord obligato with string accompaniment in the late Baroque era, later evolved to have a more prominent keyboard part and an important violin dialogue. Beethoven and Schubert pushed the role of cello in the piano trio from one of accompaniment to one of prominence. Though some piano triosContinue reading “Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50”

Ruines d’un chateau and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Hapsal

Andrea Davis Tchaikovsky’s three string quartets (the composition of a B flat first movement beginning in 1865, the third quartet reaching completion in 1876) were all successful, and it would seem that Tchaikovsky had an aptitude for the genre. His solo piano works, also successful among his audiences and colleagues, were smaller pieces meant forContinue reading “Ruines d’un chateau and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Hapsal”

Historical Narratives: Fact or Fiction?

Andrea Davis When studying history, one often assumes they are dealing with the truth—facts as they have actually happened. However, to gain a clear and more accurate picture of the details surrounding people and events, one must be more discerning. Personal bias, political agendas, financial gain, and even stereotypes may all serve to color aContinue reading “Historical Narratives: Fact or Fiction?”