Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: Opus 36

In Tchaikovsky's symphonic output, his Symphony No. 4 was a pivotal work. It announced the composer as a major symphonist of his time, overshadowing his previous, less-than-distinguished efforts in this form, and opened the way to his last, major, works: the haunting Fifth Symphony and the biographical Sixth, the profound Pathétique.
Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony -- written in 1877 at the age of thirty-seven -- offers itself as an intensely personal statement. Dramatically shaped and brilliantly orchestrated, it captures a theatrical quality and orchestral color that shaped the composer's symphonic fantasy Francesca da Rimini, written just a year earlier. The Fourth opens unequivocally with the thrust of a brass fanfare -- the fate motive that is to reappear in the last movement -- then flows with the effortless quality that characterizes Tchaikovsky's great, generously melodious ballet scores. The second movement lingers over one of the composer's most poignant melodies, and the third -- the Scherzo -- offers a delightful fantasy from this master orchestrator: the charming Pizzicato ostinato, a unique moment in the entire orchestral literature.
The symphony is reproduced here from the authoritative Breitkopf & Härtel edition, with bar-numbered movements and ample margins at the bottom of each score page for notes and analysis. Ideal for study in the classroom, at home, or in the concert hall, this affordable, high quality, conveniently sized volume will be the edition of choice for music students and music lovers alike

Author: Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky
Publisher: Dover Publications
Published: 06/13/2012
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.57lbs
Size: 8.68h x 6.22w x 0.44d
ISBN: 9780486404219
Audience: Ages 4-8

About the Author
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was one of the most loved of Russian composers. His music is famous for its strong emotion, and his technical skill and strict work habits helped guarantee its lasting appeal. His wide-ranging output includes symphonies, operas, ballets, instrumental, chamber music, and songs.


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