Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Books

Pyotr Tchaikovsky is one of the Romantic period's greatest composers and the first Russian composer to achieve international fame and admiration. Written during the years that he worked as a professor of music theory at the Moscow Conservatory from 1865 until 1878, "Guide to the Practical Study of Harmony" is Tchaikovsky's illuminating and instructive work on the fundamentals of musical composition. The guide was not widely distributed after it was published and remains rare as one of the few instructional works written by a famous and gifted composer. Tchaikovsky was composing some of his most important and creative works during his tenure as a professor, such as his early operas, including "Voyavoda" and "Swan Lake", as well "Variations on a Rococo Theme", and his Third and Fourth Symphonies. "Guide to the Practical Study of Harmony" is not only a fascinating glimpse into the mind and creative process of one of history's greatest composers, but it endures as a useful and helpful guide full of examples and exercises for all teachers and advanced students of music to use in understanding the role that harmony plays in compositions. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and follows the translation of Emil Krall and James Liebling.

This unique documentary biography is the first to draw on the composer's own private documents -- over 5,000 letters, his diaries, and articles -- to present the most complete and compelling picture ever of his turbulent life and work. Linking the documents with concise, explanatory comments, Orlova charts chronologically the events of his life and sheds new light on all aspects of his personality, including his methods of working and his views on such subjects as philosophy, religion, literature, and music. Of particular interest is the clear evidence Orlova presents for the theory that Tchaikovsky did not die of cholera in 1893, but committed suicide to preserve his honor and cover up a personal scandal. Suppressed in the Russian edition of the book, the suicide theory has since been corroborated by another source and receives its fullest exposition to date in this English-language edition

The key has been transposed to G minor for better accessibility and the percussion parts have been retained. This will be a fabulous addition to the string orchestra program.

(Piano Solo). My First Tchaikovsky contains easy and intermediate level piano pieces beginning with a selection from the Album for the Young Op. 39. The pieces from the cycle The Seasons and 12 Pieces of medium difficulty as well as the arrangements from the ballet The Nutcracker with their more demanding piano writing are easy to master by advanced players. Ideal for teaching and playing at home. Great works for little masters!

Chromatic passages, basic shifting, and a variety of rhythmic patterns make for a challenging romp through one of Tchaikovsky's most-loved symphonic works.

The key has been transposed to G minor for better accessibility and the percussion parts have been retained. This will be a fabulous addition to the string orchestra program.

From String Quartet No. 1, this is sure to be a best-seller. This beautiful arrangement is quite accessible to advanced-intermediate students. Will require treble and tenor clef reading for upper parts.

The book presents a newly edited orchestral suite derived from a renowned ballet, originally envisioned by the composer but never fully realized. It includes all movements from the 1900 Jurgenson edition and the 1954 Soviet version, which added three dance movements while omitting the finale. The comprehensive score aims to unify these differing interpretations, providing a complete representation of the suite's rich musical heritage.

The newly edited study score presents Tchaikovsky's original 1877 orchestral score for his first ballet, Swan Lake, featuring a Preface, Synopsis, and Cast of Characters. This complete score, based on the composer's autograph and earlier editions, highlights the ballet's initial struggles for acceptance at the Bolshoi Theatre and its eventual revival by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov in St. Petersburg. The score serves as a valuable resource for students, conductors, and ballet enthusiasts, offering insights into this iconic work's history and significance.

(Instrumental). Selections from Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker ballet are now available in authentic, detailed arrangements for solo instrument and piano. Perfect for the holiday season! Includes online piano accompaniments for download or streaming. Contents: Arabian Dance ("Coffee") * Chinese Dance ("Tea") * Dance of the Reed Flutes * Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy * March * Miniature Overture * Pas de deux * Spanish Dance * Russian Dance (Trepak) * Waltz of the Flowers.