Expert: Donald - 10/3/2007

Question
Hi, I wonder if you could provide a brief list of devotional choral pieces by Tchaikovsky. I'd heard a bit recently but don't know the names of any of the pieces. In sound, they seem to be much akin to Byzantine choral chant. Also, what's the name of that most famous funeral march of his? Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Randall,

Thanks for asking about Tchaikovsky! He was a passionate man who wrote deeply emotive pieces. He was deeply troubled throughout most of his adult life (presumably about his homosexual tendencies), but transcended his personal battles and wrote music that still speaks today.

Rather than listing his sacred choral pieces, let me send you to a website that lists them, and also provides a recording of several:

http://www.classicalarchives.com/tchaikovsky.html#tchai_choral

I hope that this is valuable to you...

Regarding the Funeral March, I am uncertain as to which work you are referring. The Romeo and Juliet "Fantasy Overture" has a section towards the end that represents the funeral of the main characters, but this might not be the piece that you wish to find. Maybe one of our orchestral experts could add to this answer and help you further.

Thanks again for the fine question! Please don't forget to evaluate my answer (positively, I hope!), so that others will ask if they have need.

Best regards,

Donald