Symphony No. 3
Polish
The one Tchaikovsky symphony in a major key and the only one in five movements. It is his most dance-driven, closer to a suite in mood than to tragedy.
Tchaikovsky composed the Third quickly, between June and August 1875, much of it at the estate of Vladimir Shilovsky, to whom it is dedicated. He judged it modestly, saying it offered no especially striking ideas but marked a step forward in craft. It stands apart from his other symphonies in two ways. It is his only symphony in a major key, and it has five movements rather than four, adding an Alla tedesca, a German-style waltz, after the opening movement.
The Polish nickname is a later English label, attached because the finale is a polonaise, a stately Polish dance rhythm. The name did not come from Tchaikovsky, and in Russian usage the polonaise carried imperial rather than Polish associations. The symphony is built around dance and movement throughout, which gives it the feel of a divertimento or suite and lends the whole work a lighter cast than the numbered symphonies around it. The orchestration is rich and sensuous, and Tchaikovsky handles colour with evident pleasure. The closing polonaise is broad and ceremonial, ending the symphony in confident, festive spirit.
Movements
Recordings coming soon
The individual movements will be uploaded here.