P.I. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1 "Winter Dreams"
The calm Russian nature inspired many musicians to create stunningly beautiful and picturesque works. Not an exception is Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The symphony "Winter Dreams" is not only the first symphonic composition in the works of the composer, but also the first lyrical-psychological composition in the history of Russian music. Learn interesting facts, read about the history of creation, as well as listen to the work on this page.
History of creation and premieres
The composer began to compose a work in the spring of 1866. Inspiration Tchaikovsky drew from the memories of winter in his hometown Votkinsk. After all, it is there that the most fun holiday celebrations, the most beautiful landscapes and good people.
The composer recently graduated from the Conservatory in St. Petersburg and was immediately hired as a teacher at the invitation of Nikolai Grigorievich Rubinstein. There was a lot of work at the educational institution, and the schedule of classes was painted almost every minute. Tired of the daily routine, without being able to do what he loved in the daytime, the composer was almost on the verge of a nervous breakdown. However, the quality of the musician’s music did not affect the quality of the music. On the contrary, immersion in memories set him on a creative tune, the composer could rest from endless lectures. Already in September, the writer presented a complete version of the symphony. Much to Tchaikovsky’s chagrin, the work was cruelly criticized and was not given the right to perform.
Then followed the days of processing works that lasted until November. And the second time the composer heard that the symphony is not finalized and requires correction. Nevertheless, Nikolai Rubinstein noted that the second and third parts became much better and even included them in the concerts of the Russian Musical Society, held in St. Petersburg and Moscow. The premiere went unnoticed and did not bring success to the young musician, only one unknown critic noted the extraordinary melody and excellent orchestration. Professional critics also showed coldness and left no reviews.
The symphony was completely performed at the beginning of February in 1868 at the eighth symphonic meeting of the Russian Musical Society. Nikolai Grigorievich Rubinstein was at the conductor's stand. By the way, this edition of the essay was destined to be performed only once. Since the critics did not want to write about the young talent, and the composition was quickly forgotten by the audience.
Time passed, but Tchaikovsky did not let go of the thought of why the "Winter Dreams" were so coldly accepted by the audience. Having moved to Italy in 1874, he again takes up the revision. After revising the score, he corrected inaccuracies in orchestration, added new clarifications regarding performance. The work was done fairly quickly, but the vulnerable Tchaikovsky was afraid that the music would again be left without proper attention and postponed the performance for nine years.
The premiere took place in Moscow in 1883. Conductor M. Ehermansderfer did a great job with his own task, and the music began to sound in a completely new way. Critics were delighted with what they heard. Three years later, the work was performed in St. Petersburg, the demanding audience positively accepted the symphony "Winter Dreams".
Interesting Facts
- There are several author editions of the work. The premiere was constantly postponed to a distant box, because the professors could not appreciate the beauty that was hidden in the work.
- In the scherzo, the composer used material from a piano sonata composed in 1865.
- The composer's favorite time of year was winter.
- The main theme from the second part was used later in the music for Ostrovsky's spring fairy-tale "The Snow Maiden".
- The most important people in the work of Tchaikovsky considered his teachers Rubinstein and Zaremba. They always strictly treated the young composer and gave powerful advice for improvement.
- The second part is a musical impression of a trip to the island of Valaam, located on Lake Ladoga, so the music expresses the image of the boundless Russian plains, demonstrating the austere beauty of the northern landscapes.
- The composer's brother said that none of the compositions was so difficult and did not require so much effort as the First Symphony.
- The latest edition was created in Italy. Looking at the work from a critical point of view, the musician was able to find obvious errors in orchestration. After perfecting, the composition was once again performed on a large stage. Now she received due recognition from critics.
- The fourth part is based on the Russian folk song "I Will Sow, Mlada." It is noteworthy that this song also has a second name, more common in urban life, namely “Bloomed Flowers”.
- In total, the composition of the work took almost 8 years.
Content
Amazing cordiality and sincerity of music open up for the listener the opportunity to experience the beauty of the moment. The figurative content is closely connected with the impressions of the Russian winter landscapes. The symphony has an indirect programming, as it is not based on a literary work, and only two of the four parts have a name.
The structure of the cycle has a traditional classical form, consisting of four parts. It is worth noting that the dramatic line is practically not traceable, which indicates the lyrical character of the symphonic composition.
First part called "Dreams of the winter road", which immediately gives a mood for a light melancholy. But the name is deceptive, because the music is filled with incredible lively energy. This feature is underlined by the rapid pace of Allegro. The tonality in G minor perfectly conveys the lyricism of the main theme. The main part consists of two elements: the first one is calm, having the spirit of a long-drawn folk song, and the second, bringing anxiety, which is achieved by using a large number of chromatic intonations.
Wonderful orchestration allows you to convey the full color of the winter landscape. The light background of the strings fully reflects the swaying of the frosty winter air and the unobtrusive chime of the Christmas bells. Cold timbres of wind instruments perfectly emphasize the beauty and elegance of the main theme.
The secondary part, as it should be, is written in the dominant tone. After a fairly tense binding party, calm and grace are returned.
The final party has a pronounced folk dance character. A great contrast is the development in which chromatic intervals prevail. The abbreviated reprise includes a large number of polyphonic techniques that help lead to a climax. Coda returns the listener to the roots. The first part opens the multifaceted world of nature to the listener. The mood of the music changes as fast as the direction of the wind.
The second part of slow, written at the pace of Adagio. The name "Sullen Edge, Foggy Edge" corresponds to the imagery embedded in music. Three-part form with clearly marked features of rondo. The music is mysterious, smooth. In it lives the spirit of the Russian song. From the first bars, the listener becomes involved in a foggy world in which everything is mysterious.
The third part scherzo, which is based on the waltz trehdanalnosti. The key in C minor. The form is complex three-part. Ease and whimsical themes perfectly convey solo instruments: flutes and clarinets. The middle part is completely at the mercy of the waltz, which is becoming increasingly tense. The minor sound of the waltz is the culmination of the whole cycle. On such a gloomy note ends the scherzo.
The final - This is a solemn picture of the national festivities. The basis is a round dance song. Rejoicing and joy permeate every beat, giving a sense of mass rallying. The life scene of the people opens for the listener new facets of reality. Polyphonic techniques help to adequately reflect the multi-level and diversity of folk art.
The first symphony is one of the best works of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky of the early period. It is in this work that images characteristic of further creativity are first manifested and formed. The composer uses new compositions for himself, which are already beginning to reveal the peculiarities of his musical thinking. The symphony, of course, is a landmark work for Russian music.
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