Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-93)

Introduction

Tchaikovsky is the most popular of all Russian composers, his music combining some nationalist elements with a more cosmopolitan view, but it is music that could only have been written by a Russian. In every genre he shows himself to be one of the greatest melodic fountains who ever lived. Read the full biography.

More on Tchaikovsky...

1812 Overture – the creation and recording history of Tchaikovsky's most popular work, by Geoffrey Norris

Tchaikovsky – 10 Essential Recordings

New to Tchaikovsky? Here's a list of the top 10 recordings to help start your collection...

1. 1812 Overture
2. Romeo and Juliet
3. Swan Lake
4. Symphony No 6, 'Pathétique'
5. Piano Concerto No 1
6. Eugene Onegin
7. The Nutcracker
8. Violin Concerto
9. Souvenir de Florence
10. The Sleeping Beauty

Building your Collection

Select a musical category below to explore the finest Tchaikovsky recordings available.

Orchestral Chamber/Inst. Vocal Opera

Hamlet Piano Trio Liturgy of St John Eugene Onegin

Manfred Symphony Piano Works Songs Queen of Spades

The Nutcracker Souvenir de Florence The Snow Maiden

Piano Concertos String Quartets

Rococo Variations

Romeo and Juliet

Serenade in C

The Sleeping Beauty 

Suites

Swan Lake

Symphonies – Complete 

Symphonies – Selected

The Tempest

Violin Concerto

1812 Overture

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