Partition classique FABER MUSIC TCHAIKOVSKI P. I. - SOUVENIR D'UN LIEU CHER OP. 42 - VIOLON ET PIANO Violon

by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Souvenir d'un Lieu Cher (Memories of a Dear Place) is a collection of three pieces for violin and piano. The first - Méditation - was written in Clarens in Switzerland in March 1878. Tchaikovsky originally intended it to be the slow movement of his violin concerto, but later replaced it with the more substantial Canzonetta and recast it for violin and piano. The other two movements were composed in May of the same year on the estate of his benefactress, Nadeja von Meck at Brailovo in Ukraine which is the "dear place" of the title. It was published in in May 1879. The work is very characteristic of Tchaikovsky's style. It is built on beautiful melodies, with a Russian folk inflection, and contains a variety of contrasting sections. The outer movements are written in a gentle lyrical style, whereas the scherzo is fast and furious creating a mood of stormy anger. The trio section is based on a simple melody with a tinge of sadness about it. The solo part exemplifies Tchaikovsky's mastery of violin writing, using as it does a wide range of timbres and effects. Méditation Scherzo Mélodie

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Russian: Петр Ильич Чайковский) was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. While not part of the nationalistic music group known as "The Five", Tchaikovsky wrote music which was distinctly Russian: plangent, introspective, with modally-inflected melody and harmony.

Tchaikovsky considered himself a professional composer. He felt his professionalism in combining skill and high standards in his musical works separated him from his colleagues in "The Five." He shared several of their ideals, including an emphasis on national character in music. His aim, however, was linking those ideals with a professional standard high enough to satisfy European criteria. His professionalism also fueled his desire to reach a broad public, not just nationally but internationally, which he would eventually do.