Valse-Scherzo, Op. 7
The Valse-Scherzo [1] in A major for solo piano, Op. 7 (TH 129 ; ČW 105), was written at the beginning of 1870 in Moscow. It should not be confused with the later Valse-Scherzo in the same key, dating from 1889.
Movements and Duration
There is one movement (A major, 306 bars), without a tempo marking. A complete performance lasts around 4 to 5 minutes.
Composition
The only information concerning the composition of this work is found in a letter of 5/18 February 1870 from Tchaikovsky to his sister Aleksandra Davydova: "In general this past winter, I've been quite busy as a composer. Three days ago I sent two piano pieces off to be printed, one of which is dedicated to you [2]. As soon as it comes out in print, I'll send it to you forthwith" [3].
Publication
The Valse-Scherzo was published by Pyotr Jurgenson in April 1870. In 1946, it was included in volume 51Б of Tchaikovsky's Complete Collected Works, edited by Ivan Shishov.
Autographs
Tchaikovsky's manuscript score is now preserved in the Russian National Museum of Music in Moscow (ф. 88, No. 107) [view].
Recordings
- See: Discography
Dedications
The work is dedicated to the composer's younger sister, Aleksandra Davydova.
External Links
- Internet Music Score Library Project (IMSLP) — downloadable scores
Notes and References
- ↑ The original title on the autograph score was Valse, subsequently altered to Valse-Scherzo by Pyotr Jurgenson.
- ↑ The second piece was the Capriccio, Op. 8.
- ↑ Letter 179 to Aleksandra Davydova, 5/17 February 1870.
