Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is one of the Russian greats of composition from the Romantic era, boasting a musical output which has made a lasting impact across the world. One of his most popular works is the charming Serenade for Strings, with its unmistakeable Tchaikovskian melancholy, this elegant, dramatic and cathartic work is full of luscious melodies and rich, brooding string colours.
The Serenade was written at the same time as the 1812 Overture, and where the overture was a commission he notably said he wrote with 鈥渘o warm feeling of love, and therefore there will probably be no artistic merits to it鈥�, in a letter to Nadezhda von Meck, his regular confident and patron, Tchaikovsky said of the Serenade that 鈥淚t is a heartfelt piece and so, I dare to think, is not lacking in real qualities鈥�.
On its completion Tchaikovsky wrote to his publisher 鈥淚 am violently in love with this work and cannot wait for it to be played.鈥� and the affection Tchaikovsky had for it is infectious and evident at every turn in the piece - from its Mozartean opening movement reflecting his love of the Magic Flute, through a charming and magical waltz, to the passionate and deeply expressive elegy, all culminating in the exuberant folk melodies of Russia which dance through the finale.
Programme Note 漏 Amy Campbell
