How to Assemble a Tchaikovsky CD Collection
Peter Tchaikovsky (1840 to 1893) is the most famous and influential Russian composer in the history of classical music. Many of his pieces, including the “1812 Overture” and portions of the ballet “The Nutcracker,” are well known to the most casual classical music enthusiasts, and even the small number of serious classical buffs who don’t love Tchaikovsky’s music would acknowledge the man’s creative brilliance and historical significance. Here are some ideas on how to start putting together an excellent Tchaikovsky music library.
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Instructions
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Shop for recordings online or at a discount bookstore or music store like Half Price Books or Amazon (see Resources below). If you go to a highbrow store that specializes in classical music, you might find a larger selection but you’ll probably also end up paying top dollar.
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Consider adding Tchaikovsky's six magnificent symphonies to your collection. Buy a complete cycle if you can find one for a reasonable price. If not, the can’t-miss recordings are the fiery Symphony no. 4 in F minor Op. 36, the justifiably famous, transcendent Symphony no. 5 in E minor Op. 64, and the heart-wrenching Symphony no. 6 in B minor Op. 74 (nicknamed the “Pathetique”).
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Choose from Tchaikovsky's ballet music, for which he is perhaps best known. “The Nutcracker” has become a Christmastime tradition around the world. Your collection should include either the complete score or the famous suite from “The Nutcracker” Op. 71 and the complete score or excerpts from “Swan Lake” Op. 20. “Sleeping Beauty” Op. 66 is also a very popular piece.
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Add at least two of the concertos that Tchaikovsky wrote for instrumental soloists and orchestra to your collection: the dramatic Piano Concerto no. 1 in B-flat minor Op. 23 and the graceful Violin Concerto in D Op. 35 are essentials.
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Strengthen your collection with the “Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture,” the “1812 Overture” Op. 49, the "Marche Slave" Op. 31, the "Capriccio Italien" Op. 45 and the Serenade for Strings in C Op. 48.
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Round out your Tchaikovsky collection with the String Quartet no. 1 in D Op. 11, especially the breathtakingly gorgeous “Andante cantabile” second movement.
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