Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

   Russian composer

   born: 25 April 1840, Votkinsk; died: 25 October 1893, St. Petersburg

              Capriccio italien, op. 45

 Tone poems are almost always written for full orchestra and in general are classified as program music.  But from within that general definition is a broad world of application.  Sometimes the connection to a story or scene is oblique or unrevealed, as in the symphonies of Johannes Brahms.  On the flip side, the connection can often be overt and direct, as in the Symphonie fantastique of Berlioz, the “Leningrad” symphony of Shostakovich, or in the many tone poems like those by Tchaikovsky which include March Slav, Romeo and Juliet and the current work, Capriccio italien.  Scored in 1880 while the composer vacationed in Rome, the music offers a brilliant evocation of the Italian panorama.  He noted:

“During the past few days I have sketched the rough draft for an Italian caprice for orchestra based on popular melodies.  I believe the work will have a bright future; it will be especially effective because of the wonderful melodies I have discovered here, some from printed collections and some with my own ears from the joyous streets.”

Tchaikovsky’s great gift for soaring melody and harmony is evident throughout Capriccio italien.  Featured are a very strong rhythmic background, an orchestra of punchy brass and percussion, bright woodwinds and a bouquet of rich and vibrant strings.  The music begins with a slow but dynamic trumpet fanfare.  In fact, it is a bugle call Tchaikovsky heard every morning from his hotel in Rome, located very close to the military barracks.  From that point the piece blooms with orchestral dash and color and closes with the brilliant energy of a Tarantella in the great style of Russian ballet theater.

program notes by Edward Yadzinsky